By Ray Negron
Ever since George Steinbrenner purchased the Yankees in 1973 he has always given respect to the great artist from the world of entertainment.
From the eyes of the Boss it has always been the Yankee way.
Yesterday during the 5th inning the Yankees put up a beautiful picture of Aretha Franklin and played some of her beautiful music. Kudos to the Yankees for honoring one of the all time greats in a very tasteful way. Sitting in the stands I could hear many fans both black and white really touched by the presentation.
Throughout the years Reggie Jackson has introduced me to some of the biggest stars in the world of entertainment. I knew that he knew Ms Franklin so I call Mr. October to ask him of his thoughts in the passing of the Queen of Soul.
Wow Reggie said it hurts because she was always there giving us messages through her incredible voice and music. She understood the struggle of civil rights and at the same time was extremely sensitive about human rights. When Reggie was a youngster and there may of been issues in the house, his dad Martinez would say, you better go upstairs and put on some Aretha.
Reggie first met Aretha Franklin in the early 70s in Oakland California and was truly honored of the respect and enthusiasm that she showed Reggie but that didn’t compare to the respect that he showed her. Reggie said that Aretha was a beacon of hope for all of America especially black America in a difficult period in our countries history.
Reggie closed our talk about Ms. Franklin by saying that when a Muhammad Ali or an Aretha Franklin can acknowledge you in such positive ways than I guess we are really blessed.
Another wonderful Yankee that loved Aretha Franklin was former center fielder Mickey Rivers.
I will always remember Saturday mornings and the players would be sitting in the clubhouse before the games and Mickey would take over the television and put on soul train and when Aretha would be on Mickey would dance to every beat of her song. I asked Mickey his feelings about the passing of Ms Franklin and he simply said ‘ hey I loved her.
It is no coincidence that she would die on August 16. After all it’s also the day that the King of Baseball, Babe Ruth and the King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley would leave us so why not the
Queen of Soul.
Follow Us