We say farewell to one of the greatest musical artists of modern history. The Queen of Soul leaves us physically, but her words and spirit will always be there. Here are some of Ms. Franklin's most impactful words.
"It's the rough side of the mountain that's the easiest to climb; the smooth side doesn't have anything for you to hang on to."
"Just to know I uplifted another person—I wouldn't be doing anything else. In terms of helping people understand and know each other a little better, music is universal—universal and transporting."
"Be your own artist, and always be confident in what you're doing. If you're not going to be confident, you might as well not be doing it."
"We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It's our basic human right."
"Every birthday is a gift. Every day is a gift."
"Being the Queen is not all about singing, and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well."
"R-E-S-P-E-C-T!!!"
"Sometimes, what you're looking for is already there."
"Women absolutely deserve respect."
"Looking out on the morning rain I used to feel so uninspired and when I knew I had to face another day. Lord, it made me feel so tired. Before the day I met you. Life was so unkind. You're the key to my piece of mind because you make me feel. You make me feel, you make me feel like a natural woman"
"Now this is a song to celebrate. The conscious liberation of the female state! Mothers, daughters and their daughters too. Woman to woman We're singin' with you.The inferior sex got a new exterior. We got doctors, lawyers, politicians too"
"Cause a rose is still a rose
Baby, girl, you're still a flower
He can't lead you and then take you
Make you and then break you
Darlin', you hold the power"
"Don't say Aretha is making a comeback, because I've never been away! "