Kingston, 16 August 2018 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has given the following statement at the death of the American singer, Aretha Franklin. 

Statement on Aretha Franklin

“For seven decades, hers was one of the world’s best singing voices.  Aretha Franklin, who started her singing career as a child went on to become the leading female soul singer of her time, so much so that she earned the title of the ‘Queen of Soul’.

Aretha Franklin was hugely popular in Jamaica. We remember her visit to Montego Bay in 1982 to perform at the Jamaica World Music Festival where she delighted us all with her powerful renditions of ‘RESPECT’ and the soulful ‘I Say A Little Prayer’.

The world is a little less bright today with Aretha’s passing, but we can take consolation in her music.  We are grateful for the time she spent with us and the treasures she has left behind.

The world will never forget this great woman with the great voice and the powerful songs that she sang.”

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