Beyonce Wishes Aretha Franklin a Happy Birthday
ESSENCE Music Festival headliner Aretha Franklin’s timeless voice has inspired countless generations of singers, including Beyoncé, who paid tribute to the Queen of Soul on her 70th birthday with a special message via ESSENCE.com. "Happy 70th Birthday to the Queen, Ms. Aretha Franklin,” she says. “You are an inspiration.” Speaking to Franklin’s legendary talent and penchant for always doing things her way through the years, Beyoncé adds, “Thank you for making the rules, breaking the rules and making it possible for me to do what I do.” The singer has continually paid homage to the legends who inspired her, most recently calling the late Whitney Houston “the ultimate legend,” and Etta James one of "greatest vocalists of our time."
