'Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin dies at 76
Aretha Franklin,“Queen of Soul” whose unmistakable, booming voice helped define music and provided a motivational soundtrack for Civil Rights-era struggles, has been pronounced dead after a battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 76. The singer has influenced generations for over six decades of iconic music, which came full circle with her enduring talent, activism and patriotism on full display in 2009 when she once again inspired a nation, performing songs such as "My Country, 'Tis Of Thee" at President Obama's first inauguration. Franklin's family, the music industry and the world mourned the monumental loss Thursday. "It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Aretha Louise Franklin," her family said via a statement issued by her longtime representative. "Franklin ... passed away on Thursday morning, August 16 at 9:50 a.m. at her home in Detroit, MI, surrounded by family and loved ones. Franklin’s official cau