Aretha Franklin: Elton John, Adele and Barbra Streisand lead tributes to the Queen of Soul

16 August 2018, 15:37 | Updated: 16 August 2018, 17:14

Sir Elton John and Barbra Streisand are among the stars to have paid tribute to the Queen of Soul.

Aretha Franklin passed away today (August 16) at the age of 76 at her home in Detroit.

Many of her famous fans from stage and screen have paid their respects online shortly after the sad news was announced.

8 of Aretha Franklin's greatest ever songs

Sir Elton John led the tributes on Instagram, writing: "The loss of Aretha Franklin is a blow for everybody who loves real music.

The loss of Aretha Franklin is a blow for everybody who loves real music: Music from the heart, the soul and the Church. Her voice was unique, her piano playing underrated – she was one of my favourite pianists. I was fortunate enough to spend time with her and witness her last performance – a benefit for the Elton John AIDS Foundation at St John The Divine Cathedral. She was obviously unwell, and I wasn’t sure she could perform. But Aretha did and she raised the roof. She sang and played magnificently, and we all wept. We were witnessing the greatest soul artist of all time. I adored her and worshipped her talent. God bless her. My condolences to all her family and friends. We shared the same birthday – and that meant so much to me. The whole world will miss her but will always rejoice in her remarkable legacy. The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen. @arethasings #RIP #ArethaFranklin #QueenOfSoul @ejaf

A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:08am PDT

"Music from the heart, the soul and the church. Her voice was unique, her piano playing underrated... I adored her and worshipped her talent. God bless her. My condolences to all her family and friends."

Clive Davis, who was Aretha's longtime friend and producer, wrote: "I’m absolutely devastated by Aretha’s passing.

I’m absolutely devastated by Aretha’s passing.  She was truly one of a kind.  She was more than the Queen of Soul.  She was a national treasure to be cherished by every generation throughout the world.  Apart from our long professional relationship, Aretha was my friend.  Her loss is deeply profound and my heart is full of sadness. -Clive

A post shared by Clive Davis (@clivejdavis) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:31am PDT

"She was truly one of a kind. She was more than the Queen of Soul. She was a national treasure to be cherished by every generation throughout the world.

"Apart from our long professional relationship, Aretha was my friend.  Her loss is deeply profound and my heart is full of sadness.

Carole King, who wrote Aretha's classic track 'Natural Woman', tweeted: "What a life. What a legacy!".

Annie Lennox said: "She has reigned supreme. and will always be held in the highest firmament of stars as the most exceptional vocalist, performer and recording artist the world has ever been privileged to witness.

As the One and Only ‘Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin was simply peerless. She has reigned supreme. and will always be held in the highest firmament of stars as the most exceptional vocalist, performer and recording artist the world has ever been privileged to witness. Superlatives are often used to describe astonishing artists, but in my view even superlatives seem insufficient. Everyone who loved Aretha will be saying little prayers of gratitude and appreciation for the musical life force that enriched our lives. Her voice will soar forever..

A post shared by Annie Lennox (@officialannielennox) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:20am PDT

"Superlatives are often used to describe astonishing artists, but in my view even superlatives seem insufficient."

5 of Aretha Franklin's greatest ever live performances, from 'Nessun Dorma' to 'Natural Woman'

Adele also posted about how much of a huge fan she was of Aretha, writing: "I can’t remember a day of my life without Aretha Franklin’s voice and music filling up my heart with so much joy and sadness. Absolutely heartbroken she’s gone, what a woman. Thank you for everything, the melodies and the movements."

I can’t remember a day of my life without Aretha Franklin’s voice and music filling up my heart with so much joy and sadness. Absolutely heartbroken she’s gone, what a woman. Thank you for everything, the melodies and the movements 💔

A post shared by Adele (@adele) on Aug 16, 2018 at 8:31am PDT

Barbra Streisand also posted a photo of the two of them together, saying: "It’s difficult to conceive of a world without her. Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer, but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world."

This photo was taken in 2012 when Aretha and I performed at a tribute celebration for our friend Marvin Hamlisch. It’s difficult to conceive of a world without her. Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer, but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world.

A post shared by Barbra Streisand (@barbrastreisand) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:14am PDT

Here are a handful of other heartfelt Aretha tributes from the entertainment world:

Her voice; her presence; her style No one did it better Truly the Queen of Soul I will miss you!

A post shared by Lionel Richie (@lionelrichie) on Aug 16, 2018 at 8:42am PDT

Aretha... always loved you, always will. Not only the Queen of Soul but the queen of all our hearts.

A post shared by Sir Rod Stewart (@sirrodstewart) on Aug 16, 2018 at 8:08am PDT

From the time that Dinah Washington first told me that Aretha was the “next one” when she was 12-years old, until the present day, Aretha Franklin set the bar upon which every female singer has been & will be measured. And she did it with the professionalism, class, grace, & humility that only a true Queen could. I treasured every moment that we spent together from working in the recording studio, to performing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, or simply hangin’ in the kitchen, & I will miss her dearly. RIP Ree-Ree....You will reign as the Queen forever. <3 <3 <3 📸: Hassan

A post shared by Quincy Jones (@quincydjones) on Aug 16, 2018 at 9:05am PDT

Dearest Aretha, thank you for giving us all your gift, thank you for being the queen of soul and forever in our memories. What a legacy! Rather than commiserate your death I will be celebrating your life for the next few weeks. Love you forever xxx

A post shared by Paloma Faith (@palomafaith) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:27am PDT

The greatest singer of all time. We were blessed to have her walk this earth for 76 years. So grateful for the gift of Aretha Franklin.

A post shared by John Legend (@johnlegend) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:57am PDT