As fans and admirers recall Aretha Franklin upon her death at the age of 76, the attention is placing the spotlight on her Buffalo connections. She spent part of her youth here as her father served as pastor at Friendship Baptist Church. That period is at the heart of an appreciation penned by Buffalo News Music Critic Jeff Miers, who discussed how the singer possessed the "Buffalo Spell" with Toney Rhoades of Friendship Baptist. The term, Miers says, sums up the commitment and passion that is common throughout Buffalo's music scene.
Franklin carried the 'Buffalo spell' throughout her legendary career
National Public Radio
