Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Singer Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” died at her home in Detroit Thursday morning, according to The Associated Press. Franklin was 76.

Franklin’s career spanned over 50 years, during which she won 18 Grammy awards and notched more than 100 singles on Billboard charts. At 14, Franklin began singing in the choir of her father’s church. The influences of gospel impacted her musical career, as she also released top hits in R&B, pop, jazz and rock.

Her most famous songs, “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” were championed during the civil rights, counterculture and feminism movements. She is also known for other top hits such as “Think” and “I Say A Little Prayer.”

A handful of Emory faculty and staff took to Twitter to pay tribute to the iconic singer:

 

Associate Professor of Political Science Michael Owens tweeted his favorite song from Franklin.

 

University Archivist John Bence said he became emotional during a conference session when he learned about Franklin’s death.

 

Charles Howard Candler Professor of African American Studies Carol Anderson praised Franklin’s musical prowess, which she experienced live a few years back.

 

Senior Lecturer Michelle Y. Gordon tweeted a favorite Franklin performance.

 

Madison Bober
+ posts

Former Editor-in-Chief | Madison Bober (20C) is from Hollywood, Florida. She majored in political science and minored in women’s, gender and sexuality studies.