Aretha’s Friends Recall Her Faith and Love of Gospel
August 23, 2018
The passing of the legendary Aretha Franklin on August 16, prompted scores of admirers – from recording artists to musicians to U.S. presidents – to offer tributes and memories of her impact on the world. But before she became known as “The Queen of Soul,” Aretha was a strong believer in God and expressed her faith through her music. The Rev. Dr. Melvin V. Wade, Sr., pastor emeritus of Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Los Angeles, was close to Aretha’s father, the Rev. C.L. Franklin, and remembered that the singer had strong faith even as a child. “She was raised