Yesterday began a 5-day public celebration of the life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, who passed away August 16th. Lining the street to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History where her body lies in repose for public viewing will be over 100 pink Cadillacs. This photo taken on a 2002 trip to the Caribbean seemed appropriate, especially since I don’t have a full length mink coat, one of the stylin’ trademark pieces of clothing she wore when performing. Her body has been laid out in a solid bronze, gold-plated casket much like the ones used for James Brown and Michael Jackson. Embroidered in gold thread in the lining of the casket are the words “Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul.” According to the funeral home handling the services, Miss Franklin is wearing 5-inch Christian Louboutin patent leather pumps that match a tea-length ruby-red dress made of lace — with a full tulle skirt and chiffon overlay with her ankles crossed. The bright red ensemble reflected her status as an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Clearly the Queen of Soul is going out in style…much like she lived her life. Rest in peace, sister.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
hi great post! thanks for sharing. huge fan of MJ. I would really appreciate it if you could check out my music and art blog whenever you get the chance itd mean a lot to me!
Thanks for swinging by the Ranch. We ❤️ visitors. Will drop in to check yours out.
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Got it! Thank you.
Thank you for posting! 🙂 http://www.cchomeschoolers.com/blog
Thanks for the link up. 😊
Such an enormous loss. I live in the Detroit area and have been watching the funeral service all day (it started over an hour late and is scheduled to be approx 5 hours long). It has been wonderful. Actually, when her body was on display for the two days, they changed her outfit every few hours. She only wore the red dress for the first showing. Thankfully her music will live on forever (oh I was so touched by her Granddaughter’s speech, I think she said she wants to be a performer too)
Did you see pics of the hearse?
Didn’t see a photo but read the description. Classic for a classic.
It’s awesome – and an easy search.
Found it and all I can say is…Holy cow! Now that’s a RIDE!
Absolutely … And it has been used for other dignitaries!
That vehicle has definitely been around the block once or twice.
I think I heard the report say Rosa Parks (among others).
Pawsome! Just like she was 🙂 Rest in Peace… and Soul miss Aretha <3 <3 <3 Soft Pawkisses 🙂 <3
What an incredible send off for an incredible legend.
Looking at the car, I’m reminded of Eddie’s Fabulous 50s which was a Reno casino that had 50’s cars suspended from the ceiling and 50’s hits over the PA system. Unfortunately, it went belly up when (I’m told) they got on the wrong side of someone with a golden arm at the craps table.
Monika,
You’ve come up with the perfect Wordless Wednesday selection. And your tribute is just beautiful.
Thank you.
It’s all the Queen. She was the best. Musically and as a very special human.
I could not agree more. 🙂
There are too many memories connected to her music for me to even comment about. I am a product of the birth and growth of Motown, so her voice will forever live on in my mind, and on my spotify playlist. That said, I heard her legs were “crossed at the ankles” – but I can’t find any reason for it. Have you heard? Do you know why? Just my inquiring mind wanting to know….
I had heard it was a statement about her comfortableness in her life. It also highlights the shows so much better. I love it and will always have a sweet spot in my heart for the Queen of Soul who led some an amazing life and gave so much to her fans.
We did see the red pumps and crossed ankles. RIP Aretha Franklin
hugs
Hazel & Mabel
Beautiful shoes on a beautiful spirit. 👠
We heard about those shoes – way to go, Aretha!!!
Woos – Lightning, Misty, and Timber
Leaving the world as she lived – beautiful and bigger than life!
That’s a beautiful way of putting it, Kristin.
R.I.P. Aretha, Queen of Soul.
I love how she is going out as she lived her life…proud and strong! RIP Aretha!
You got that right!
Yes, I saw that she was wearing spike heels and her feet were crossed at the ankles…Queen!
So very Queen-like. 👑
May she rest in peace. What a talent she was. ♥
Aretha was an amazing talent and a force in nature!
It’s interesting that she still wore a mink in culture that now mostly frowns on animal furs for jackets and coats. I wonder if she ever received criticism for that or if she got a pass because of who she was…
I’m guessing she got a pass. Who’d dare to criticize her?
her music will stay forever and ever… that is one of the benefits of being an ole hen, I can “see” the artists when hear their songs… the youngsters … NOT ha!