Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, inspirational American icon and one of the most admired vocalists of her generation, has passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The world mourns the loss of this towering figure in music world and fighter in the civil rights movement. 

Born in Memphis, Tennessee and raised in Detroit, Franklin's early music was rooted in gospel. She later on transitioned to become a powerhouse in the world of jazz, R&B and pop. Her most famous hits include "Respect," "Say a Little Prayer," "You Make me Feel Like a Natural Woman," and "Chain of Fools."

Read more about Aretha Franklin and her life here.