I could talk about a lot of different musical subjects this week, but I must stray from my country roots to relay to you what a jewel in the musical crown was Aretha Franklin.

With her passing last week, the musical worlds have all come together to pay tribute to this wonderful talent. Let me say this: No matter what musical genre you support and enjoy, every performer today has likely been influenced by the career and the voice of Aretha.

Her gospel roots and powerful singing pipes launched her into a soul and R&B career that has never been matched and likely never will be, in my humble opinion. I’m guessing there isn’t a song ever written that she couldn’t perform, including the opera great “Nessun Dorma” that was supposed to be performed at the 1998 Grammy Awards by the legendary Luciano Pavarotti.

When he became ill, producers turned to the other legend in the house, Franklin, to perform the song. And she did, and did it in such a way as to bring the house down and the audience to their feet. It truly remains one of the most memorable performances on any stage, anywhere.

Another one of her great performances that will go down in the musical history books is her tribute to Carole King at the Kennedy Center in 2015. It has been said that she transformed that place, that night, into church with her rendition of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” one of her most popular songs, which was penned by King.

Wearing a mink coat, Franklin cruised through the song like only she could and when she reached the bridge, the coat came off and the crowd went wild. No matter what music you like, these types of performances just get you going and create a kind of excitement that is almost indescribable.

To say she is an American icon doesn’t seem to quite cover the talent she was. And I think what makes me feel so passionate about her are the stories I read and heard about her generosity, and how she was always willing to help so many in her hometown of Detroit.

There will never be another Aretha Franklin. There will never be another voice quite like hers or the kind of presence that came from her. All we as music fans can do now is be thankful for the gift of music she gave us.

Rest in peace Aretha; rest in peace.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of country music every other week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.