Readers React: Memories old and recent of Aretha Franklin

To the editor: Three years ago, I took my parents to an Aretha Franklin concert in Los Angeles for their anniversary. It was the most incredible experience imaginable.

The week before the concert, my mother and I made a pact: We agreed to limit the number of times that we would nudge each other during the concert whenever Aretha hit a sour note to just three. We figured we had to set this limit or else we’d be bruised.

So many older singers continue to give concerts long after their voices have gone; even Aretha, we figured, could not be immune to “aged singer voice.” We accepted that we would enjoy being in her presence, seeing her, and reminiscing about how wonderful most of the songs she would perform used to sound, when she had a younger, stronger voice.

We didn’t nudge each other once. Aretha sounded as good as ever, was poised and in control of her vocal instrument, and was clearly happy to be in concert, with us.

She still had it.

Sheryl Lynne Thomas-Perkins, Oak Hills, Calif.

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To the editor: Back in 1967, my older sister brought home a copy of Aretha Franklin’s hit song “Respect.” As a young boy in Australia, I had never before heard her unique blend of gospel and soul singing, and like the rest of the world, I fell in love with her voice.

But when I finally flipped it over and played the “B” side, a song called “Dr. Feelgood” became my introduction to the blues. My musical life was changed forever.

Thank you, Ms. Franklin, for opening up your heart to me and expanding my mind.

John Kelly, Laguna Woods

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To the editor: To all the well-deserved accolades in all the articles, I add one more: Nobody was better at the piano than Aretha.

Doug Hileman, Valley Glen

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