The passing of the iconic Aretha Franklin at the age of 76, has many combing through her playlist, playing the songs that bring memories back to life.
From "Day Dreaming" (1972) to "Rock Steady" (1971) and "A Natural Woman" (1967), Franklin's all-time vocal talent brought her fame and fortune and the unforgettable label, "The Queen of Soul."
While she made hundreds of songs, these three translate well into today's divided political climate.
1) Bridge Over Troubled Water
The nation has never been more politically divided. The media, president, activist judges, and organizations are all to blame.
"Bridge Over Troubled Water," the remake of the Simon and Garfunkel classic, stands out at a time when our country could use a little bridge of solace.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=96&v=7IExZv-mgrw
2) R-E-S-P-E-C-T
The iconic anthem of feminism and black pride speaks for itself.
Today those movements are healthier than ever, though repackaged. For feminism, it's been manifested in the #MeToo movement. For black pride, the origination of Black Lives Matter is their manifestation. BLM states: "We are working for a world where Black lives are no longer systematically targeted for demise. We affirm our humanity, our contributions to this society, and our resilience in the face of deadly oppression."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kDGi8gYS18
3. Chain of Fools
Chain, Chain, Chain! While "Chain of Fools" is really a song about the breakdown of a relationship, it transfers well in today's political climate.
The mainstream media has been treating the American people like a chain of fools. Polls say it's not working.
Gallup says the American people's trust in the media is at an all-time low. President Trump's "Fake News" label has stuck, and has arguably, only exacerbated the problem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xroRNBvvF9M
