We start a new series focusing on the life and music of perhaps the single most influential vocalist of the 60s, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

For text and reference, we will be relying on David Ritz’s excellent biography, titled “Respect: The Life of Aretha Franklin”, taking excerpts from the book, while we focus primarily on her vastly impressive catalog. Naturally, we start at the beginning, with a teenaged Aretha Franklin singing gospel music and starting to formulate a professional career.

Featured tracks include (note – all are by Aretha Franklin, unless otherwise stated):

Jesus Be a Fence Around Me – The Soul Stirrers, with Sam Cooke

Yield Not to Temptation 

Precious Lord, Part 1

You Grow Closer

Precious Lord, Part 2

Never Grow Old

The Dat Is Past and Gone

Today I Sing the Blues