Freddie Mercury and Aretha Franklin: A Legendary Connection
Freddie Mercury and Aretha Franklin: A Legendary Connection
Freddie Mercury, the iconic frontman of Queen, was known for his groundbreaking music and his passion for various genres. While he was primarily associated with rock and pop, his love for Aretha Franklin, often referred to as the 'Queen of Soul,' was well-documented. Throughout their careers, Freddie was inspired by Aretha Franklin’s powerful voice and divine sound, particularly in the gospel genre.
Did Freddie Mercury Meet Aretha Franklin?
Yes, Freddie Mercury and Aretha Franklin met on several occasions. One notable instance was during the recording of the tribute album. Freddie's admiration for Aretha's work was evident, as he often expressed his love and respect for her during interviews and conversations.
In an interview, Freddie Mercury was asked about his favorite Aretha Franklin song and replied, "My favorite I suppose I would have to take 'Natural Woman' as my favorite. But I love her gospel songs." This statement came as no surprise to his friends and bandmates, as he was a passionate fan of her soulful and powerful performances.
Freddie also expressed a desire to be like Aretha Franklin, stating in another interview that if it were possible, he would have loved to live her life and sing like her. Brian May, Freddie's close friend and bandmate, shared that Freddie saw Aretha perform in concert once, possibly in New York. However, Peter Freestone, Freddie's tour manager, recounted that Freddie was very disappointed with Aretha's 40-minute set, feeling that she had shortchanged the audience. Despite this, when Freddie died, his friends Jim Sullivan and Peter Freestone chose Aretha’s rendition of "Precious Lord" as one of the songs they thought he would have enjoyed.
Freddie Mercury's Influence and Appreciation
Freddie's appreciation for Aretha's music was deeper than just admiration. He was known to incorporate elements of her voice and style into Queen's music, particularly in their song "Somebody to Love." Brian May and Roger Taylor, Freddie's bandmates, referred to it as Freddie's 'foray into white gospel,' highlighting his efforts to blend different genres and styles.
Freddie's connection with Aretha Franklin wasn't limited to just hearing her music. His deep love for soul and gospel music was a significant part of his musical identity. This connection was also reflected in the way Freddie and his bandmates would talk about her. Brian May, in a candid moment, shared that Freddie would NEVER have hidden his admiration for Aretha if he had met her, given his love for her voice and style.
Legacy and Inspiration
Despite not having a documented meeting with Aretha Franklin, Freddie's admiration and inspiration from her music left a lasting impact. Both on and off stage, he used her as a source of inspiration, and his efforts to emulate her style speak volumes about his love for soul and gospel music.
Freddie Mercury and Aretha Franklin's influence on each other's lives, though not directly meeting, showcased the power of music to connect hearts, even across genres and generations. Their mutual respect and admiration for each other's talents continue to inspire music fans worldwide, making their legacy even more enduring.