I was going to post this as soon as I heard about her death this morning, but instead I put on one of her albums. "Respect" was a big hit the year I graduated from high school and soul has been my favorite genre of music for most of my life. Aretha was an amazing woman and a fantastic vocalist. She won 18 Grammy Awards and was the first woman to be installed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She was incredible talent. I don't think there is such a thing as the best female vocalist, but she was certainly among the best. RIP 'Retha.