One of the most famous and groundbreaking names in soul music, Aretha Franklin, has died, aged 76.
The frontwoman, best known for her hits 'Respect' and 'Think', had been "gravely ill" according to friend and reporter Roger Friedman, but also said that she had been "surrounded by family and people close to her" during the last week. Her passing is thought to be link to a pancreatic cancer diagnosis the singer received back in 2010.
As one of the most familiar names on the Columbia Records label back in the 1960s, Franklin maintained a strong career throughout the last 40 years, even performing shows as recently as last year. In 1987, she became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, and also performed at Barack Obama's inauguration.
Watch a live performance of her hit single 'Respect', performed in 1967, in the player below.
