"Instead of being an end of an era, it's the beginning of a new era. She'd already done what she's had to do. It's time for the world to produce – how can you compete with Aretha Franklin?" said Kenny Gamble, originator of the Sound of Philadelphia. He remembered seeing her play clubs like Pep's Showbar at Broad and South Streets and North Philly's Cadillac Club in the 1960s when "it was not fashionable to be a rhythm and blues artist," Gamble said. "They didn't treat you too well, but if you endure [like Ms. Franklin], your talent will come through."