The world is remembering the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin who passed away at 76 years old today in Detroit.
We learned earlier this week that Ms. Franklin had a huge affection for Chicago. She had made it a goal to perform every year and LOVED the shopping the city had to offer.
Aretha had 8 concerts at Ravinia from 2003 to just last Summer, 2017.
In their statement they said: "This isn't the first time Aretha had us all crying. This once-in-ten-lifetimes talent took us to church over the radio in very turbulent times and in joyous times. She was an absolute joy to know, and in a way we all knew her. That's what makes it especially hard when someone who was so much a part of our social fabric leaves us, and we have no personal way of saying goodbye. Put the records on. Let the tears flow. And pay her the respect that both the song and her life demanded."
Here are the dates Aretha Franklin performed at Ravinia:
July 9, 2003
August 20, 2004
August 21, 2004
August 17, 2005
August 18, 2005
August 21, 2007
July 11, 2015
September 3, 2017
We are paying tribute to the Queen of Soul by playing some of her hits throughout the day on 93.9 LITE FM.
Here are some of the amazing photos and memories from those shows thanks to Ravinia:
Photo above: RAVINIA Jim Steere (2003)
Photo above: RAVINIA Patrick Gipson (2015)
Photo above: RAVINIA Patrick Gipson (2015)
Photo above: RAVINIA Patrick Gipson (2017)