ST. LOUIS — In the wake of Aretha Franklin's death, her fans in St. Louis are sharing the personal moments they had with her.
Legendary St. Louis radio personality and DJ Bernie Hayes first met Franklin back in 1969 in Chicago. He remembered her as a young artist destined for stardom.
"She was talented. She knew of the talent. The people understood her talent when they would come and see her." he said. "She was a wonderful person."
Hayes shared a special bond with the icon. When she was a young artist, the two became friends.
For decades, he brought the music legend to St. Louis several times to perform at Keil Auditorium in front of thousands of screaming fans.
"Her performances were always stellar. She always pleased the crowd. She always had an overflow crowd. She always had a crowd that she interacted with. She was just a beautiful lady," Hayes said.
Franklin's legacy also extended to a younger audience. Back in 2011, Franklin performed at Stifel Theater formerly known as the Peabody Opera House.
Pamela Merritt attended the show. She remembered the sold-out crowd and a voice that left her in awe.
"It felt so intimate and cozy and she was so gracious and so confident on stage and she was just an amazing performer and a whole different category." she said.
Merritt said Franklin's death left a void in the music industry.
"She was a one in a million performer. That level of talent that masterly of voice. You just don't get more than once in lifetime." Merritt said.
Merritt along with Hayes said they will miss the Queen of Soul and the impact she left on the St. Louis community.
"She was an angel. I'll miss her singing. I'll miss her personality. I'll miss the things she did." he said. “I don’t think anyone is every going to try to replace her. Aretha’s voice. She has a place in history. She has a place in heaven.”
Hayes told 5 On Your Side plans to pay tribute to Franklin in several ways this week.
