R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Trumping MAGA Since 2018

August 16.

Aretha Franklin died today.

And, both inevitably and deservedly, tribute, in print, broadcast and online is plentiful today. From her musical accomplishments to the historic nature of all her accomplishments in 20th and 21st Century America.

More on that in a moment.

Here's a thing, though.

For those who like their history mixed with a little mystique, even a little mystery, here's one of those fun facts to know and tell.

August 16, 2018.

Aretha Franklin.

August 16, 1977.

Elvis Presley.

The Queen Of Soul. The King Of Rock and Roll.

Gone on the same day of the month.

Who says that fate and/or destiny doesn't have a sense of humor?

And here's one more for your "believe it or not" list.

Robert Johnson, pioneer American blues singer/songwriter whose landmark recordings in the 1930's influenced generations of musicians.

And, experts and academics offer, played a direct part in the eventual arrival of both what came to be known as "soul" music and..."rock and roll".

Robert Johnson.

Born 1911. May 8th.

Died...

1938....wait for it...

August 16th.

While that may produce a oooh or an ahhh here or there in those who love a good coincidence sprinkled in their cultural salad,  the August 16th thing isn't really, when you stop to think about it, all that coincidental or dramatic.

There are, after all, only 365 days in a year.

So the chances of any of us being born, or dying, on the same date are...

1 in 365.

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy a good coincidence or poignancy and, especially, irony as much or more than the next guy or gal.

But 1 in 365 doesn't exactly flip my personal oooh or ahhh button.

There is an irony that's clanging and banging somethin' ginormous for me today, though.

Credit for that one, due respect to Mssrs Presley and Johnson, goes exclusively to the divine Miss F.

And here's the marvelous poignancy and poetic perfection of this prodigy's passing.

As this country nudges, or lurches, more accurately, to the mid point of the first term of a sociopathic demagogue who obscenely exploited sexism and racism and denigrated the creative arts to gain the highest office this country has to offer, America, today, is celebrating the life of an iconic artist…

....a woman.

.....a black.

You better think / Donald / bout what yer tryin to do to America

Well played, Aretha.

And...

Well played.

Got nothin' but respect for ya, sistah.

Nothin' but respect.