Today marks the 35th anniversary of Aretha Franklin’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Gen Z-ers may not be as familiar with the Queen of Soul’s discography, so we’ve gathered a guide of some beloved Aretha songs!
Quite frankly, you’d be living under a rock if you haven’t heard Aretha Franklin’s name before. However, her musical impact was most prominent during the second half of the 20th century, therefore Gen Z-ers may not be as familiar with her tunes. If this is you, read on to discover arguably some of the best music from before your time by the first female artist ever inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Respect
Originally written and recorded by Otis Redding, “Respect” was popularized by Aretha Franklin’s interpretation in 1967, and was used consistently as an anthem for the 1970s femenist movement. Twice, Aretha’s version has been considered one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine, and was placed in the Recording Industry of America’s list for Songs of the Century. Gen Z-ers who know Ice Cube’s “Are We There Yet?” might remember first hearing “Respect” when Aleisha Allen’s character sings the song in the film.
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
One of Aretha’s signature songs, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” made #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968. In 2016 Aretha performed this song at the Kennedy Center Honors for award-recipient Carole King. A week after Aretha’s death in 2018, this song became a hit on the U.K. singles chart almost 51 years after its original release.
I Say a Little Prayer
While rehearsing songs for an album, Aretha and background vocalists The Sweet Inspirations were singing Dionne Warwick’s “I Say a Little Prayer”, but later ended up recording it to release with Aretha’s single “The House That Jack Built.” Aretha’s version became so prominent by giving it more soulful sounds, mainly due to the piano work incorporated by Clayton Ivey. Fans of the show Glee might recall Quinn using this song as her audition for the club in Season 1.
Think
Aretha co-wrote “Think” with her then-husband Ted White, and released it in 1968 as a single. “Think” placed seventh on the Billboard Hot 100, and became the seventh top 10 hit of Aretha’s in the U.S. Filled with soulful rhythm and powerful lyrics, the famous refrain in “Think” that repeats the word “freedom” might ring a bell for many listeners.
You’re All I Need to Get By
Aretha covered Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “You’re All I Need to Get By” and released it as a single in 1971. As many of Aretha’s songs do, her version of “You’re All I Need to Get By” reached the Billboard Hot 100 at #19 and placed #3 on the Hot Soul Singles chart. Her cover was recently used in a 2020 Walmart commercial for the holidays.
Something He Can Feel
Aretha recorded the ballad “Something He Can Feel” for the soundtrack of the 1976 film Sparkle. It became a #1 hit on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart, and reached #28 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Something He Can Feel” was sung during a soulful battle on Season 21 of The Voice this past year.
Freeway Of Love
Aretha released “Freeway of Love” on her 30th studio album Who’s Zoomin’ Who?, and it became the leading single from the 1985 album. “Freeway of Love” remained the #1 hit on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for 5 full weeks, making it her 20th number-one hit on the chart. Thanks to this catchy song, Aretha won her 12th Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. The music video for “Freeway of Love” was filmed in Detroit and was one of the most popular videos of that year.
It can be unanimously agreed that Aretha Franklin is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. She has created a permanent impact on the music industry, and it’s evident that her music and life will continue to be celebrated.
