Collaborators, Fans React to Aretha Franklin’s Death

  I  

Following Aretha Franklin’s death on Thursday, an outpouring of emotion and appreciation for her work washed over social media channels. Here are a few selections, followed by excerpts from interviews with a pair of musicians who had the chance to work with the singer.

“She knew every piece of music that was going on around her. But what really touched my heart was that you could feel her spirit. She spoke like she sang, so you could feel the emotion flowing from her. It was all natural. That’s what was so amazing about her vocals. Some people are good live and not in the studio, and some people are good in the studio and not live. Aretha Franklin was the whole package.” —Joan Collaso, a Chicago-based vocalist, who sang backup with Franklin on her final tour

“She was very kind to me. In this business, most singers are not that sensitive or personal toward their band members. In playing with her, her piano playing was very touching and special.” —Chuck Rainey, a bassist who played on several Franklin albums, including Young, Gifted And Black (1972), Amazing Grace (1972) and With Everything I Feel in Me (1974) DB



  • Emily_Remler_-_Photo_by_Brian_McMillen_%284%29_copy_2.jpg

    “She said, ‘A lot of people are going to try and stop you,’” Sheryl Bailey recalls of the advice she received from jazz guitarist Emily Remler (1957–’90). “‘They’re going to say you slept with somebody, you’re a dyke, you’re this and that and the other. Don’t listen to them, and just keep playing.’”

  • Ted_Nash_Alexa_Tarantino_by_Gilberto_Tadday_copy.jpg

    As Ted Nash, left, departs the alto saxophone chair for LCJO, Alexa Tarantino steps in as the band’s first female full-time member.

  • Larry_Appelbaum_with_Wayne_Shorter_by_Ken_Kimery_from_2012_copy.jpg

    Larry Appelbaum with Wayne Shorter in 2012.

  • DCGY-Steve_Coleman_-_Graz%2C_Austria_-_2024-DCGY-sans_titre-_DGY6606-Avec_accentuation-Bruit_copy_2.jpg

    “If you don’t keep learning, your mind slows down,” Coleman says. “Use it or lose it.”

  • Coltrane_John_008_copy_2.jpg

    “This is one of the great gifts that Coltrane gave us — he gave us a key to the cosmos in this recording,” says John McLaughlin.


On Sale Now
April 2025
Isaiah Collier
Look Inside
Subscribe
Print | Digital | iPad