[waxnrope]

Originally Posted by theoddz

I have always adored, adored, ADORED anything Aretha has done!!!

Most of the great R&B voices in history came from gospel roots, and Aretha is no exception. I think spiritual music is the foundation on which many people find the heart and soul to put into their music. Faith is a strong thing and, through the years, I have come to rely on mine, and I know its ability to move hearts and minds and mend bridges. Gospel music speaks to me and no one, except maybe Mahalia Jackson can get in there and *quite* do it like Aretha.

So, here's to celebrating Aretha and her great talent in the world of Gospel Music.

Thanks for this great thread!!!

~Theo~

Thank you, Theo (and, little Ivan, of course). I have not brought up, except by innuendo, her religious roots ... But yes, these are primo examples of her personal journey, her odyssey in music ... and life. One can hear the Gospel nuances in her "secular" songs. It brings to mind a little something I wrote about G-d and Sex ... never mind. These songs are great and I love your picks!