I couldn't let the death of Aretha Franklin pass without a few words. Since I grew up in Detroit, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin remain my favorite Motown musicians. The Queen of Soul and her music are both a part of me. I also love the fact that Aretha recorded one of my favorite Stevie Wonder songs "Until You Come Back to Me." So there will be time for Mr. Wonder, but for now I want to focus on Aretha.
When I moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1987, my friends and colleagues began to identify me with Motown music. People often would ask me whether I was a fan of Aretha or a fan of Stevie Wonder and I always responded with a resounding "yes!"
Aretha had her roots in gospel music, and in any good gospel performance there is always the amazing piano accompaniment and a great soloist. Since Aretha's death I learned that she played piano by ear, and was more often than not, able to play and sing one of her amazing songs at the same time.
In one of the many news shows covering Aretha's recent death, it turned out, she sought out classical training on the piano, and decided to attend The Juilliard School. Can you even imagine what it would be like to teach Aretha? I have nothing to base this on, but I think she would have approached her lessons with great humility. I would hope that Aretha would subscribe to my motto, while taking piano lessons, that of "trusting the professionals."
Aretha had occasion to collaborate with many musicians, but I loved the fact that she connected with former Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. Aretha and Secretary Rice, teamed up to perform for one of President Obama 's fundraisers for underprivileged children. Secretary Rice even accompanied Aretha on "Say a Little Prayer." It is simply good to know that a Republican like Secretary Rice and a Democrat like Aretha Franklin can team up and accomplish something great. Greatness comes, when folks put aside their differences for the good they can do!!!
Take a moment to read Randy Lewis' tribute to Aretha in the LA Times. Mr. Lewis has been covering pop music for the LA Times since 1981. He hit some of her music highlights, and has praise for her ability as a pianist. Mr. Lewis aptly describes Aretha, "But there was something special when she sat at the keyboard: a fusion of singer, instrumentalist and song that inevitably pushed the goose-bumps quotient up several notches."
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-aretha-franklin-piano-20180816-story.html#
Mr. Lewis also writes about Aretha's 2015 performance at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington DC. He mentioneds that the performance has had over 12 million views on Youtube.
I must add that everytime I see that performance, I literally cry. First, Aretha is playing and singing for Carole King, an accomplished pianist and song writer. In fact, Aretha is performing Carole King's (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. To see Carole King's reaction to Aretha's performance, is so amazing. You are swallowed up by the emotions of Carole King. At the same time, the video pans to President Obama, as he wipes away tears during this song. You can only imagine what he is thinking, but at least I feel that he is recognizing how much Aretha means to citizens of this great country, and particularly citizens, people of color, who look to her for meaning, understanding, leadership and frankly soul.
I'm going to miss Aretha. Her songs are entwined in the tapestry of my life. But music reminds of us of one thing, that it lives on. Her singing, her piano playing will continue, everytime you tap your music on your I-phone, when you pop your vinyl on the turn table, when you still push a CD into your car player. That's the essence of music, the musicians may not physically be here, but the music is still with us, whether we are singing it playing it, or watching memories on television or the net. Aretha is truly the key ---to my peace
of mind!!
