RUMOR MILL
Back to Rumor Mill >
Friday, August 17, 2018

THE WORLD SAYS FAREWELL TO ARETHA

The Queen of Soul has died, and the music community (and the wider world) is mourning her loss and celebrating the gift of her life and work.

“There are great artists and there are transcendent artists – artists who break new barriers and take us to places we never imagined. Aretha elevated soul from genre to high art. She defied musical categorization, bringing her phenomenal talent to R&B, pop, blues, gospel, rock, jazz, and classical music. Aretha’s influence on music, culture, and history is incalculable. We will be forever grateful for everything that she accomplished as an artist, a woman, and a beacon of humanity.” — Max Lousada

Aretha Franklin was one of the most iconic voices in music history and a brilliant artist. Over the course of her decades-long career, which included many years with the Sony Music family, she inspired countless musicians and fans, and created a legacy that paved the way for a long line of strong female artists. Sony Music joins the world in mourning her passing. —Sony Music statement

“The Music Business Association and music fans around the world are extremely saddened by the news of the passing of the legendary Aretha Franklin. Simply put, there was no one like her. Her voice was one for the ages. Aretha was honored by our Association with numerous awards for her hit songs in the 1960s and 1970s. On a personal note, I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in the audience at the 1998 Grammy Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York when Aretha surprised everyone when she came on stage in place of Luciano Pavarotti, who had taken ill and could not perform. Aretha then proceeded to completely take the audience’s collective breath away as she majestically delivered her own unique rendition of ‘Nessun Dorma.’ People are still talking about that moment 20 years later. Music Biz sends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Aretha’s family, friends, and colleagues and to the millions and millions of her fans circling the globe who will continue enjoying her artistry for eternity.” —James Donio

 
BACK TO RUMOR MILL
 
TOP 20: JUST TRUST US
A second sonic Boom (4/17a)
Check It Out Now
ON THE COVER:
AARON BAY-SCHUCK
AND TOM CORSON
Bunny's hoppin' again. (4/17a)
Check It Out Now
NEAR TRUTHS:
PRIMARY NUMBERS
Hats off to Larry (4/17a)
Check It Out Now
THIS HITS PHOTO GALLERY IS WANDERING IN THE DESERT
Photographic proof of the weaselfest (4/15a)
Check It Out Now
POETS CORNER: TAY, SPOTIFY TEAM UP FOR L.A. HAPPENING
Truth is beauty (4/17a)
Check It Out Now
THE NEW UMG
Gosh, we hope there are more press releases.
TIKTOK BANNED!
Unless the Senate manages to make this whole thing go away, that is.
THE NEW HUGE COUNTRY ACT
No, not that one.
TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN PLAYLIST
Now 100% unlicensed!
 Email

 First Name

 Last Name

 Company

 Country
CAPTCHA code
Captcha: (type the characters above)

By clicking submit you are agreeing
to Terms and Conditions