The tragic death of Aretha Franklin has touched the hearts of fans all across the world. Shortly after her death made headlines, she sparked a media firestorm which led to an array of different reactions from fans. While some chose to mourn, others chose to celebrate and it looks like the city of New Orleans chose the latter. What a celebration it was when the city paid homage to the legendary singer with an amazing second line in Treme. Now footage of that second line has gone viral.
It Went Down In Treme:
On Thursday, August 16, just hours after Aretha Franklin’s death was reported, it didn’t take long for the celebration to kick off in New Orleans. A beautiful sea of fans gathered under the overpass in Treme where the celebration lasted for nearly an hour. The sounds brass blared in the air as fans sang along and danced to the beat.
Check out the second line video:
Nowhere Like NOLA:
The video has garnered attention from Aretha’s fans all around the world. Many have taken to YouTube to share their reaction to the second line video and most of the comments are nothin’ but love. While many fans praised Aretha Franklin, just as many took the time to praise the city of New Orleans for its rich culture and undeniable traditions. One viewer wrote, “Give the queen her props. The undisputed Queen Of Soul. The Incomparable and Impeccable, Ms. Aretha Franklin. No one can or will ever take your place. Thank you for touching the souls of humanity here and throughout the world. Also, I humbly thank you for holding your deep love in my heart that has expanded 51 years, from 1967.” Another viewer wrote, “Beautiful…… A Celebration of a Life….Nowhere like NOLA.”
Rare Footage Of the Queen:
In addition to the viral video of the Treme second-line, there’s also another special video circulating on social media. According to CBS News, Aretha Franklin’s granddaughter took to social media with a rare clip of her grandmother in her element just a few short months before her death. For those who missed that, her granddaughter Victorie Franklin took to Twitter with the footage of her grandmother along with a tweet recalling fond memories of the woman she knew outside of the limelight – her grandmother.
She wrote, “I have many memories of me coming into her home and she would be playing the piano and singing,” she wrote. “Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling, but God is telling me that she is at peace. Today we lost an icon, a legend, but today I lost my grandma,” Franklin continued. “I love u and imma make u proud.”
Based on the video’s timestamp, it was filled just days before Aretha’s 76th birthday.
Check out Victorie’s video:
I have many memories of me coming into her home and she would be playing the piano and singing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling, but God is telling me that she is at peace. Today we lost an icon, a legend, but today I lost my grandma. I love u and imma make u proud 💕 pic.twitter.com/cSFK5pibEV
— ♈️ (@Victorie_____) August 16, 2018
Shortly after the video was posted to the social network, it quickly went viral and now more than 50,000 fans have chimed in with condolences to the Franklin family and heartwarming words about the singer’s legacy and impact on music. “We’ll never forget her voice and her life. We are all proud of your grandma,” one person wrote. “When an icon such as Ms. Franklin passes, we tend to forget that although she ‘belonged’ to us — she was first and foremost a mother, and grandmother,” one fan commented.
Other fans thanked Victorie for sharing such an intimate memory with fans. Bless your heart for sharing this precious moment of your grandmother. Heaven has a new angel & there’s no doubt in my mind she will lead the Heavenly Choir. Aretha’s music is imprinted on my heart — I loved her music, I loved her.”
For most Aretha Franklin fans the footage is a breath of fresh air that shows just how much the world loved the Queen of Soul. The prestigious title was definitely befitting because she was indeed a queen. Rest in Power Aretha Franklin.
