Clive Davis Talks 'Huge Void' Left Behind with Aretha Franklin's Death in Candid Tribute

Clive Davis paid tribute to his longtime friendAretha Franklinon Friday.

The famed producer, 86, was one of the many speakers who shared memories of the late Queen of Soul at her ‘Celebration of Life’ funeral service.

Taking the stage at the the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, Michigan, Davis gave a touching speech that honored Franklin’s legacy — calling her “a true genius of American music.”

Davis originally signed Franklin to his label, Arista Records, back in 1980. During her time at the label, Franklin’s singles included “Freeway of Love,” “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves” (with The Eurythmics) and her No. 1 duet withGeorge Michael“I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me).”

“Every time I was with her, professionally or personally, I was conscious that she was and would always be a significant part of history,” Davis said. “Over the course of my life, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to spend time with presidents of countries and companies, with many successful artists writers and movie makers. Most of these individuals have affected the world in some way but Aretha is in her own special category. Aretha’s voice will be heard, will be impacting, will be influencing others for centuries to come.”

“I was so privileged to be there and personally witness a magnitude of talent of the singer’s singer; this musician’s musician,” he added. “I’ll think of her timeless influence on countless generations to come, but there is and always will be a huge void.”

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According to Davis, Franklin was a perfectionist in the studio — and would dive into “Aretha mode” before recording, privately rehearsing and practicing the album’s tunes for weeks before recording began. “By the time she came into the studio she owned the song,” he said. “It was a real rarity if she ever were to do more than two takes. She was in control and she was to nail it. ”

But Davis’ words weren’t just about their professional collaborations. He also gave insight into their friendship, and “Aretha the person.”

“I will miss, deeply miss, that once-in-a-lifetime voice,” he said, at his speech’s conclusion. “I will miss her hearty laugh, those endlessly curious questions to me, and that thirst and hunger for life. I will greatly miss the ultimate natural woman.”

Clive Davis and Aretha Franklin in 1995.Patrick McMullan/Getty Images

Franklin’ funeral, which is expected to run for six and a half hours, has already seen touching speeches from family members, politicians (including former President Bill Clinton), and friends like Tyler Perry and Cicely Tyson.

Other musical acts coming down the bill include Smokey Robinson, Yolanda Adams, andStevie Wonder.Jennifer Hudson, whois playing Franklin in an upcoming biopic, will deliver a “sermonic selection,” while the Rev. Jasper Williams, Jr. — Pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA — will deliver Franklin’s eulogy.

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Franklindied at age 76ofpancreatic canceron Aug. 16.

It concluded: “We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”

At the time of her death, Davis mourned Franklin’s loss on Twitter.

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In April 2017, Franklin honored Davis at the Tribeca Film Festival Opening Gala, where the documentary about the music mogul —Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives —was premiering.

“Mr. Davis, for so many years, it’s been a real pleasure. I am honored to have been an artist of his and to still be an artist of his,” she said before launching into a performance of her signature song, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”

“What a wonderful, caring humanitarian,” Franklin continued of Davis. “He’s not only the chieftain who sits in the executive office and takes care of all the business; he takes care of his artists as well.”

source: people.com