Thinking of Aretha (Bob Herbert in the NY Times)

[Faygo Kid]

Nineteen sixty-seven was a tough year in many respects — riots, protests, an unwinnable war — but I can’t think of it without thinking of the glory of Aretha Franklin, a woman in her mid-20s, introverted and somewhat shy, who sang soul and rock ’n’ roll with the power and beauty of a heavenly choir.

Newark and Detroit went up in flames in 1967, and neither city was ever to recover. Muhammad Ali, a perfect physical specimen in his absolute athletic prime, was convicted of dodging the draft and stripped of his world heavyweight championship. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. endured a hurricane of criticism when he came out publicly against the war in Vietnam and called the United States government “the greatest purveyor of violence in the world today.”

If you were lucky, you could close the door on the din, at least for a little while, and reach for the record album with the head and shoulder shot of Aretha positioned at a precarious angle on the cover. The album was called “I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You,” and if you listened closely, if you paid attention, it would just thrill you, take you to a place of exquisite human feeling. A region of laughter and tears. Of love and joyous possibilities.

I would turn the volume up and up and up, and just ride the music: “You’re no good, heartbreaker ...” “Don’t let me lose this dream ...” “R-e-s-p-e-c-t ...” http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/25/opinion/25herbert.html?_r=1&hp
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This born and bred Detroiter (east side) is grateful for Aretha Franklin. Turned 16 in 1967, so she was a major influence. Nice column, Bob, and thanks.

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. I am thinking of her today as well

Hope she is doing better.

[Faygo Kid]

6. I'm going to kick this one.

I never do this, but I am going to kick my post, because I am afraid we are going to lose her, and Bob Herbert's remembrance deserves reading.

[pscot]

2. Amen

[handmade34]

3. always a joy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-hHyQ_mBdU&feature=related

[delightfulstar]

4. K&R for the Queen of Soul

One of my favorites. I wish her well as she continues her fight.

[TacticalPeek]

5. What pscot said.

[GreenEyedLefty]

7. Such a terrific article. Thank you, Mr. Herbert.