It is with a heavy heart that I write about the passing of Aretha Franklin, who died this morning at her home in Detroit. Growing up, Aretha's golden voice filled every room of my grandparent's home, as she joined in a chorus made from other musical icons such as Frank Sinatra, Etta James, Patti LaBelle, Mary Wells, Teddy Pendergrass, and Nina Simone, among others.