BBR Music Group By coincidence, Lindsay Ell‘s new single, “Champagne,” was released the day after the passing of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Ironically, the song written more than a year before references the Grammy-winning legend, with the line “So naturally diva, just call me Aretha” in the chorus.
Ultimately, Lindsay believes it’s a fitting tribute to one of her great musical influences.
“When I was growing up, there were certain female artists that were just such huge role models to me,” she explains. “‘Champagne’ is a song that is about female empowerment and about inspiring anybody — but specifically females — to stand up for themselves and really fearlessly go after whatever they believe in.”
Lindsay continues: “And I remember Shania [Twain] and Aretha and Sheryl Crow and all these powerful women were such role models to me when I was little growing up. So I want to be able to relay that message to fans or little girls that come up to me and are like, ‘Lindsay, you’ve inspired me to start playing the guitar.'”
The Canadian singer/guitarist says Aretha’s death only amplifies her original intent.
“I had to give a shout-out to the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha, in the chorus,” Lindsay emphasizes. “And this is a song — I mean, we wrote ‘Champagne’ about a year-and-a-half ago. So now, after we so terribly lost her, I feel like I sing ‘Champagne’ with a whole new heart.”
Today, Faith Hill will represent country music during an all-star home-going for Aretha in her hometown of Detroit. CNN and Fox News will air highlights, while the Associated Press plans to stream the service.
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