Aretha Franklin's Most Iconic Quotes of All Time

Aretha Franklin has passed away at age 76, the Associated Press confirmed this morning. The iconic musician is remembered as the Queen of Soul, whose profound legacy will continue to influence the music industry for generations.

Below are a few of the legend's best quotes on performing, faith, and respect:

On singing:

"Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I'm using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I'm happy with that."

"Don’t say Aretha is making a comeback, because I’ve never been away!"

On confidence as an artist:
"Be your own artist, and always be confident in what you're doing. If you're not going to be confident, you might as well not be doing it."

On respect:

"We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It's our basic human right."

On music:

"Music changes, and I'm gonna change right along with it."

"Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It’s transporting, for sure. It can take you right back, it’s uplifting, it’s encouraging, it’s strengthening."

"I've always felt that rock and roll was very, very wholesome."

"I've never recorded anything I didn't like."

On performing:

"I am doing what I love to do, and you cannot beat that, especially when the audience appreciates what you prepare for them. It's very, very gratifying."

"I'm the lady next door when I'm not on stage."

On growing up:

"Trying to grow up is hurting. You make mistakes. You try to learn from them, and when you don't, it hurts even more."

On her incredible legacy:

"It really is an honor if I can be inspirational to a younger singer or person. It means I’ve done my job."

"I've been around long enough for people to know who I am and what my contributions are. They know me as more than just an artist. I think they know me as a woman as well."

On social responsibility:

"Being the Queen is not all about singing, and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well."

On faith:

"My faith always has been and always will be important to me."

"Let's start with the church. As you know, it's my background, it's a natural setting for me and it's definitely my roots."

On soul:

"Soul is a constant. It's cultural. It's always going to be there, in different flavors and degrees."

On her fans:

"People really don't have to give you anything, so appreciate what people give you."

On life:

"Sometimes, what you’re looking for is already there."