Remembering 'Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - From the Detroit church where she honed her singing chops to the legendary Apollo Theater in New York, fans have been gathering to pay tribute to Aretha Franklin.

Franklin died Thursday of pancreatic cancer in her home surrounded by her family and friends-- she was 79. Funeral arrangements will be announced soon.

People drove by the church in Detroit where Franklin's father was a pastor -- and she learned to sing.

In New York, the marquee alternated between: "Honoring Apollo Legend Aretha Franklin 1942-2018" and "Rest in Peace Aretha Franklin Queen of Soul."

Franklin's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was adorned with a crown, an emblem of her Queen of Soul status. Fans also left flowers, cards and other mementos on the sidewalk tribute, including one that said simply, "RESPECT."

Hours after her demise, her music shot up the iTunes' charts. Her "30 Greatest Hits" album reached No. 1. And "Respect" checked in atop the download leader for singles. Other songs by Franklin, including "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," "Think," "Chain of Fools" and "I Say a Little Prayer," were all in the Top 10.

A tribute concert is planned for the fall at Madison Square Garden.

With the Associated Press