I nearly burst into tears this afternoon when Dana Canedy announced this year’s Pulitzer Prizes.
Aretha Franklin, who passed on August 16th, received a rare posthumous Pulitzer for five decades of accomplishments in the arts. The dedication reads: “For her indelible contribution to American music and culture for more than five decades.”
This is just a huge honor. I spoke to Canedy, who said she was just sorry they hadn’t given to Aretha when she was alive. No matter. Aretha is singing and giving thanks from Heaven. All her friends and family are so proud of her. Simply amazing.
Previous special citation winners include John Coltrane, Hank Williams, Ray Bradbury, Duke Ellington, and George Gershwin. Bob Dylan won it, alive and kicking, in 2010.
