The Queen of Soul has passed on to the other side, and she`s now singing in the heavenly choir, but her music transcended generations and will continue to be enjoyed and appreciated for generations to come.

Aretha is a soul and gospel icon, a civil rights champion, and a powerful voice that testifies to the heights that humanity can soar. Aretha leaves behind an astounding body of work, and tomes will be written about the impact she had on music and society at large.

In this essay I will focus on my favorite Aretha song, “Respect.” Who isn`t familiar with the soul classic that was written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965, but of course the definite version is Aretha`s single released in 1967.

“Respect” became a civil rights mantra and an anthem for women`s rights, but at its core the song is a plea for respect in the bedroom. “Respect” was a euphemism for sex, and Aretha wanted her man to sock it to her when she got home.

This earthy appeal for her man to satisfy a woman`s sexual needs became an eloquent anthem for the struggle for civil rights. But when I hear “Respect” women`s rights and human rights aren`t uppermost in my mind, I simply get lost in the passion and the rhythm and I can`t help but sing along. As the young kids say, That`s my jam!

Aretha has earned my respect, and the respect of millions of people all over the world. As Birdman would say put some Respeck on her name, as you eulogize the Queen of Soul.