Sensational Soul Singer Aretha Franklin Passes Away at Age 76

Kayla Koslosky | ChristianHeadlines.com Editor | Updated: Aug 16, 2018
Sensational Soul Singer Aretha Franklin Passes Away at Age 76

Sensational Soul Singer Aretha Franklin Passes Away at Age 76

After falling gravely ill earlier this week, soul singer and sensation Aretha Franklin has passed away this morning. 

Franklin, who was 76-years-old was put in hospice care at the beginning of the week, her family hopeful that she would pull through. NME reports that the official cause of death was advanced pancreatic cancer, which reports have confirmed Franklin was been battling since 2011.

The powerful soul singer will undoubtedly go down in music history. Influenced and inspired by gospel music, Franklin grew up in church. 

Franklin’s father was the minster at New Bethel Baptist Church earlier in her life. New Bethel Baptist Church, CBS reports, was where Franklin found her God given gift of singing. This was very important to Franklin so even as she began to develop as an artist, she maintained her gospel roots and influence and never forgot her faith.

Franklin released her first album, "Songs of Faith," in 1956. In her 62 year career Franklin earned an incredible 10 top 10 singles, including "I Say a Little Prayer" and "Respect." 

Acccording to Business Insiders Franklin was one of the best-selling female artists in history with 75 million records sold worldwide.

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris 



Sensational Soul Singer Aretha Franklin Passes Away at Age 76