The late Aretha Franklin touched the hearts of fans and her peers alike – especially that of George Michael whom she collaborated with in 1987.
The legendary Queen of Soul has died today (16 August) at the age of 76 after battling advanced pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type.
Known as one of the most revered singers of all time, musicians such as Carole King, Paul McCartney and Elton John are mourning the loss of Aretha today and remembering her most iconic singles, including her hit duet with George.
Aretha and George, who died in 2016, collaborated on the track I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me), which was masterminded by legendary music producer Clive Davis. Hardly a surprise given their pop heavyweight status, the track earned George his first Grammy Award and was only his third single since leaving the pop group Wham!
It was also Arethas last ever number one single in the US and the UK.
Advertisement Advertisement
The iconic singers spoke highly of each other over the years and George once recalled how, during a recording session, Aretha ate a rack of ribs before chucking the bones into a bin on the other side of the room.
In his autobiography, Bare, George wrote: She could hit that bucket in the corner like that! It was fantastic!
The Faith singer also said of his beloved friend: I was nervous. I knew that Aretha would get the melody and then take it all over the place, which sounds great, but the thing also needed tying down … I just tried to stay in character, keep it simple. It was very understated in comparison to what she did.
Although George was a well known superstar in his own right, he did admit to be overwhelmed by Arethas talents and star status.
More: George Michael
In a 2014 interview, George explained: We did end up doing the chorus together, which was phenomenal—she wanted to do it that way. Im standing there just freaking out. Im on the other side of the mic from Aretha Franklin and shes treating me like an equal—obviously Im not, but she was treating me with such respect.
Advertisement Advertisement
Their relationship was far from one-sided. Aretha gushed over George following his death in December 2016. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Aretha said: The first time I heard George was with Wham! and I liked it then. He had a very unique sound, very different from anything that was out there. When Clive [Davis] suggested we get together for I Knew You Were Waiting, I was all ready.
Got a story?
If you've got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: Aretha Franklins comments on Taylor Swift will go down in Shade Hall of Fame
MORE: Aretha Franklin dies on anniversary of fellow rock n roll icon Elvis Presleys death
Advertisement Advertisement
[contf] [contfnew] 
METRO
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]
