By recordboyusa (67.34.73.196 - 67.34.73.196) on Monday, September 09, 2002 - 08:04 pm:

I just saw on the soul-talk list that Erma Franklin died on Saturday. Sorry, I don't have any other details at this time.

Jeff Lemlich
http://pub64.ezboard.com/blimestonelounge

By Mark Speck (64.156.67.143 - 64.156.67.143) on Tuesday, September 10, 2002 - 12:34 am:

That was the saddest news I'd heard all day. Her version of "Piece of My Heart" has to be heard by anyone who thinks Janis was all that, and I just love her song "Gotta Find Me a Lover (24 Hours a Day)".

My prayers go out to Aretha and the rest of her family.

Did Erma do any recording after the Brunswick sides? Any work with Aretha (like her late sister Carolyn did)?

Best,

Mark

By David Meikle (213.122.186.211 - 213.122.186.211) on Tuesday, September 10, 2002 - 03:39 am:

This is tragic news.

I will upload a tribute tonight.

By SisDetroit (67.25.217.250 - 67.25.217.250) on Tuesday, September 10, 2002 - 11:05 am:

Erma was like family to Detroit. Our hearts and condolence to the immediate family.
Sis

By Davie G (213.251.162.249 - 213.251.162.249) on Tuesday, September 10, 2002 - 11:42 am:

Jeff,

That's sad news indeed.

Another hugely talented singer who just get fed up with the usual music business hassles.

Mark,

As far as I know her Brunswick sides were her last recordings - she got a "day job" in, I think,
social work after the Brunswick discs failed to sell.

By Common (209.2.55.114 - 209.2.55.114) on Tuesday, September 10, 2002 - 12:55 pm:

My sympathies & prayers go out to Aretha & her family. Mark, I agree with you about Erma's original version of "Piece of My Heart". Janis' version doesn't hold a candle to Erma's. May she rest in peace.

Peace!

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.95 - 195.219.7.95) on Tuesday, September 10, 2002 - 01:28 pm:

R.I.P.ERMA(a piece of our hearts are forever with you)MEL.

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6 - 62.252.128.6) on Tuesday, September 10, 2002 - 01:47 pm:

Maybe it was the powerful vocals of the Franklin Sisters which made them seem indestructible, but it was a real shock to hear of Erma's death this morning.

"Piece of my Heart" was one of the first Deep Soul records I ever heard. It would remain one of the best.

Detroit can be proud of her.

There is a nice biography of Erma at
http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/Erma%20Franklin.html

I love this cd cover too. Erma R.I.P.

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6 - 62.252.128.6) on Tuesday, September 10, 2002 - 01:48 pm:

http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/Erma%20Franklin.html

By FrankM (217.42.104.20 - 217.42.104.20) on Tuesday, September 10, 2002 - 03:20 pm:

Erma appeared on televison as part of Aretha's backing trio in recent years. I saw her perform with Aretha on Oprah Winfreys's show when Aretha's autobiography came out. I should not have been home that day and was channel hopping when I heard the continuity announcer say "and today Oprah's guest is Aretha Franklin". Aretha, Erma and another two backing singers with piano accompaniement were superb.

FrankM