Today, March 25th, would’ve been Aretha Franklin’s 79th birthday. Another talented Aries woman born within this last full week of March. (Yesterday was Chaka Khan’s birthday, who I showed birthday love to on my Instagram. No time for a birthday post here due to life and work being super busy for me; Monday was Stephanie Mills’). I often joke that I don’t know what was going on during Aries season in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s to produce so many legendary women artists, and during the same week, no less! At any rate, Aretha really doesn’t need any introduction or a great deal of background information to be given. We all know her from the first name alone. She made her mark from a young age singing gospel in the church of her father, Rev. C.L. Franklin, and the rest is music history.
Aretha’s career spans decades. She is one of those special artists who had success in various eras, to the point that an 80s baby like myself will likely gravitate to her huge 80s hits like “Freeway Of Love”, “Who’s Zoomin’ Who”, and her classic duet with the late George Michael, “I Knew You Were Waiting For Me”. At the same time, our parents and grandparents likely loved her 60s and 70s work. As an old soul, I have a heavy appreciation for her 60s and 70s work myself though. I know others in my generation who do as well. Speaking of her ability to span generations, I will never forget what a big deal her duet with Lauryn Hill, “A Rose Is Still a Rose” was back in the late 90s.
It is the purity and passion of Aretha’s vocals for me. I didn’t fully grasp the greatness of her voice when I was younger, but as an adult, some of her vocal moments actually give me goosebumps. With that said, let’s get into the music! Also, I feel the need to say that the subject matter of Aretha’s music ran the gamut from political, to spiritual, to romantic, to festive. I tend to find her romantic songs to be the most personally relatable, so those are what you will mostly see listed here. There will be some notable songs “missing” from this list. As I have said in some previous entries: my favorite songs by the legends are not always their “signature songs”.
The Songs
“I Never Loved a Man(The Way I Love You)”: The perfect song for when you love someone who drives you crazy. Lol! Her delivery really makes you believe that this is what she was experiencing.
“Until You Come Back To Me(That’s What I’m Gonna Do)”: I wrote about this song previously in one of my Stevie Wonder birthday entries from last year, as he co-wrote this song. Such a wonderful classic that has also been interpreted by Luther Vandross.
“Bridge Over Troubled Water”: Whew! Her version of this song. That “still waters run deep” refrain does a lot for me. So powerful. Wonderful arrangement too.
“Giving Him Something He Can Feel”: Aretha’s wonderful original version of this song, produced by Curtis Mayfield.
“Daydreaming”: Heartfelt song about her love for a man. I love it, and it’s such a dreamy(pun intended) song. Great lyrics and vocals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndFkUSJJ7Zg
“Rock Steady”: This is one of my ultimate favorite songs by her. It is the epitome of funk and soul all rolled into one. Her vocals, the groove, EVERYTHING! I especially love this performance from Soul Train, because she was really feeling it and genuinely enjoying herself, and it’s obvious. She was a big fan of the show, and her obvious joy in being there was infectious in this performance. The dancers were feeling it too, which you can see and hear throughout this performance.
“Jump To It”: Another ultimate favorite of mine. I am partial to the late 70s through early 80s era of R&B, so that’s a big part of why I love this so much. It has that distinct post-disco, dance, boogie groove that I LOVE. Luther Vandross produced this, and you can hear elements of his style of this period all up and through it. I especially love how she ad libs the word “jump” right at the end. How amazing it must have been for Luther to get to work with one of his idols!
“Freeway Of Love”: Quintessential 80s baby and 80s kid song right here. My sister Jamie liked this song; she was born in ’81, so it makes perfect sense. It is just one of many songs that will always remind me of her. It features a classic saxophone solo by Clarence Clemons from Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.
“Who’s Zoomin’ Who”: The groove! Produced by Narada Michael Walden, this was the first of three songs produced by him during this mid-80s period that share this similar bass line and groove. The other two songs are: “How Will I Know” by Whitney Houston, and “Curves” by Siedah Garrett(aka Michael Jackson’s duet partner on “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” and co-writer of “Man In The Mirror”). “Curves” is a little known 80s gem from the soundtrack of an 80s dance movie that my sisters watched all the time back in the day: Fast Forward.
“I Knew You Were Waiting For Me”: An 80s gem! It makes me emotional now that both Aretha and George have passed away.
Yes, I included Aretha’s version of the theme song to “A Different World”! Haha. It’s the most memorable version, which ran for seasons 2-5(1988-1992) of the show. #Iconic
I know there are plenty more songs I could’ve included. That is always the case with these entries, and that is why I have done multiple entries for some artists. Time isn’t on my side right now though, so I am leaving it here.
Happy Heavenly Birthday once again to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin! <3
One thought on “Happy Heavenly Birthday to the Queen of Soul!”
Just magnificent!!! I didn’t know that today would have been this great lady’s birthday! She may not be with us any more, but her music and grace will forever live in our hearts. All of her works are master pieces, but one that stands out is ” Respect “. She wrote and song about it and earned the respect of countless other artists and laymen alike! Happy Birthday to the “Queen of Soul”. She will always retain that title. Keep doing what you do and I’m looking forward to the next “Music and Me” entry.♡
Just magnificent!!! I didn’t know that today would have been this great lady’s birthday! She may not be with us any more, but her music and grace will forever live in our hearts. All of her works are master pieces, but one that stands out is ” Respect “. She wrote and song about it and earned the respect of countless other artists and laymen alike! Happy Birthday to the “Queen of Soul”. She will always retain that title. Keep doing what you do and I’m looking forward to the next “Music and Me” entry.♡