Her career began as a child, singing in a small gospel choir in Detroit. But Aretha’s heart — and soul — were meant for much more. Her voice moved us all, stirred our own souls, inspired us, and as former President Barack Obama said, “helped define the American Experience.”

She was known for iconic hits such as Respect, Chain of Fools, A Natural Woman, and so much more. Aretha enjoyed a long and successful career in the music industry, recording more than 40 studio albums and winning 27 music industry awards — including 18 Grammy Awards.

Saying Goodbye To The Queen

When she passed away at the age of 76, sympathies and tributes came pouring in immediately. Below are a few tributes shared over Twitter.

The loss of @ArethaFranklin is a blow for everybody who loves real music: Music from the heart, the soul and the Church. Her voice was unique, her piano playing underrated – she was one of my favourite pianists. pic.twitter.com/ug5oZYywAz

— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018

Let’s all take a moment to give thanks for the beautiful life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of our souls, who inspired us all for many many years. She will be missed but the memory of her greatness as a musician and a fine human being will live with us forever. Love Paul pic.twitter.com/jW4Gpwfdts

— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 16, 2018

Whether it was Gospel, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Pop,or Civil Rights, Aretha Franklin was the greatest gift and the voice of a generation. She could turn any song into a hymn. She will be greatly missed here on earth, but that band in heaven just got our Angel
Rest In Peace Aretha

— Willie Nelson (@WillieNelson) August 16, 2018

Aretha Franklin provided the civil rights movement with a powerful voice — and financial support — and made sure Black women wouldn’t be ignored.

Today we say goodbye to a lifelong champion for racial justice. pic.twitter.com/7ncCenbJRC

— ACLU (@ACLU) August 16, 2018

The greatest voice in American popular music has been stilled. Our beloved #ArethaFranklin has gone. For me, she was a musical lighthouse, guiding and inspiring with every note. I loved her so and love her still. Goodbye, Queen of Soul.

— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) August 16, 2018

What beautiful music and vocal artistry you gave to the world. You are a legend and your soul will never be forgotten. Rest in peace angel of music. #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/ab8fmIhp4o

— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 16, 2018

Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul. The Icon. The ultimate singers’ singer. The greatest singer and musician of my lifetime. The power of your voice in music and in civil rights blew open the door for me and so many others. You were my inspiration, my mentor and my friend. pic.twitter.com/QD9pxvGLLh

— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) August 16, 2018

This is the face of a young man who couldn’t believe he was actually singing with the GREATEST OF ALL TIME. Thank you, Ms. Franklin for blessing us with your incomparable gift. Honored to have shared the stage with you even for a moment. Always bowing down to you. #QueenofSoul pic.twitter.com/4bZVAWcqeS

— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) August 16, 2018

What are some of your favorite songs by Aretha Franklin? Share them with us in the comments below!