Sources

Bego, Mark. Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. New York: St. Martin's, 1989. Print

Dobkin, Matt. I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You: Aretha Franklin, Respect, and the Making of a Soul Music Masterpiece. New York: St. Martin's, 2004. Print.

http://www.wikipedia.com/  

http://www.songfacts.com/

http://www.gospelradiotoolbar/.

www.time.com.time/magazine/article/0,9171,988505-2,00.html

Pop Music in a 1960s Course!

Although Aretha Franklin did not give her life to the homeless like Dorothy Day and she was no Eleanor Roosevelt, she influenced women through pop music. Music is another form of language: expressive and powerful. It is an unavoidable part of our cultural heritage, and through lyrics of music, the world is able to communicate universal messages. During the cluttered and mass production chaotic days of the 1960s, music served as an escape and a way to forget the world, sit back and relax while coming together as a community that shared their common love for music. Schools cannot avoid this crucial aspect of our history. The study of sixties music is not just about the actual rhythm and beats of the music itself, but the important historical occurrences that music influenced. The historical hippie movement of The Summer of Love changed the way people expressed themselves. Individuals came together in the hopes of creating a better world through music. In addition, the hard core Rock and Roll bands such as the Rolling Stones and The Who also deserve a central place in academic study. Although some aspects of their lifestyle-the partying and drug usage-are not something to be taught, those bands drastically changed the way artists performed. They reached out and were able to touch the hearts of many through their powerful lyrics. To this day, records from The Beatles, The Who, and other sixties legends are constantly talked about and listened to. In that way, it speaks for itself on how influential, impactful, and astonishing sixties music is.

During the 1960s, Franklin helped bring spiritual passion into pop music. She took control over her voice and created her own sound. Her powerful stand on her music transitioned over into her songs as well and gave women everywhere a voice. Aretha converted American pop music from a patriarchal monologue into a coed dialogue. In addition, for those who sometimes struggle to express themselves, music enables emotional and personal development for them to find their voice. For Aretha, she was tired of singing about broken hearts, she demanded respect. With a fierce attitude Aretha sang loud and proud for all women. This influential and powerful woman who defines R&B, what it means to sing with soul and pop music deserves to be taught during the course on the 1960s. Leaving pop music out of a 1960s course is like not teaching about the Civil War in a U.S. History class.

Here is a clip from the TV special Aretha did in 1968, shortly after the release of "Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You". She performed numerous songs from the album, and here she gives a powerful rendition of her soulful "Dr. Feelgood".  This TV special made it possible for the entire world to see Aretha's strength and power right in their homes. She continued to show America what a talented performer she was.

An Interview with Mr. Jeff Cianci, A Semi-Expert on Sixties Music

“Well I would just like to start off by saying the 60s music they generally refer to the genre of Woodstock. It’s just the common term when you say the 60s. Although when you talk about Aretha, you say Motown. The point there being that the 60s movement was rock and roll which has basis in rhythm and blues. And she was the-oh what’s it called- the godmother of rhythm and blues."

How does Aretha franklin stand out from other artists during the sixties?

Well, Aretha was there first for her music genre, or her music genre of Rhythm and Blues which was the genesis of the Rock and Roll movement. And Aretha did not become a real part of that Rock and Roll movement so she stands out in two ways: she was part of the basic music that created the rock and Roll wrists and cords and musical progressions. But she did not change into that rock and roll genre which is known as the sixties movement.

Why do you think Aretha had such an impact on History?

Because someone who’s a great artist followed her basic pattern of high vocals rhythm and blues um matching the beat to the music. Again she was the rock and roll-it came out of the rhythm and blues which she was the master of that vocalization. And I would like to say anyone of color can tell you race is a hindrance and it was she was denied a lot of opportunities and had to work extra hard, but at the same time she unleashed opportunities for members of her race after her.

Who comes to mind for you when you think of sixties music?

I would have to say the Woodstock generation and musicians- Janic, Jimi, The Doors, Richard Morison, but most importantly I would say the Beatles and the rolling stones. What message do you think their music served as? Their message…to let the music create a feeling of creative of creative no, to let the music create a creative feeling where it empowered the listener to go beyond boundaries and to experiment in new directions?

How would you say Aretha compares to those rock bands?

She was the first to bring that Motown music into the popular genre which then paved the way for the counterculture of musicians because she was counterculture when she became popular. And especially because Rock and Roll is anonymous with the counterculture and its roots were in Rhythm and Blues so in essence a true American music led to and help participate in the cultural revolution of the sixties.

The Queen of Soul

1967 represented a whole new scene as it was a landmark year in the music business. The Beatles released Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and in San Francisco it was the “Summer of Love.” The big hit-makers that year were the Beatles, the Supremes, and the Monkees. However, in the first week of June, Aretha was right up there with them on as her song “Respect” topped the charts. Aretha arrived on the scene—with the psychedelia of the Strawberry Alarm Clock and the pop stylings of the Seekers—and redefined the sound of R&B music. Her music was forceful, raw, and earthy in a way that no one who came before her had ever expressed. Aretha demanded ‘Respect’ and although her man has done her wrong, she wept boldly that “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) and demonstrated her perseverance through “A Change Is Gonna Come”  in a way that everyone, regardless of skin color, could understand.

A Change Is Gonna Come

Aretha Franklin covered Sam Cooke’s protest song “A Change Is Gonna Come”, transforming the song into her own personal story. Although Cooke wrote the song as an objection to slavery and white superiority, Aretha Franklin applies the same lyrics to her own personal struggle. She personalized the song, applying her own struggle to lyrics that represent universal pain and survival. She doesn’t attempt to cover the song exactly, or top Cooke’s performance. She takes the song, in all its strength, and makes it her own. The song, although not her own words, depicts the struggle she faced in the years preceding the debut of this album. She slows down the original tempo of the song which helps to exemplifies her hardship in her past is portrayed in this song. She faced abuse from her husband, Ted White, for years. He almost ruined her career multiple times. She never let this bring her down, and she emerged from her pain a strong and powerful woman. The lyrics speak for itself:

Sometimes I had to cry all night long
Yes I did
Sometimes I had to give up right
For what I knew was wrong
Yes it's been an uphill journey
It's sure's been a long way comin'
Yes it has
It's been real hard
Every step of the way
But I believe, I believe
This evenin' my change is come
Yeah I tell you that
My change is come..

Through her struggles and sorrows, emerged the beautiful remaking of Sam Cooke’s song, A Change Is Gonna Come. Aretha turns the song into a tribute and statement that her darkest days are behind her. The last line of the song sings, "MY change is come" compared to Sam Cooke's "But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will." This song demonstrates her inner peace and how she is on the road to happiness. In all its entirety, the song is a personal illustration of perseverance and sends the message that you can continue on even through your darkest times. Her Gospel background enables her to project such great feeling and emotion.

Full Lyrics to A Change Is Gonna Come

There's an old friend
That I once heard say
Something that touched my heart
And it began this way

I was born by the river
In a little tent
And just like the river
I've been runnin' ever since
He said it's been a long time comin'
But I know my change is gonna come
Oh yeah

He said it's been too hard livin'
But I'm afraid to die
I might not be if I knew
What was up there beyond the sky
It's been a long, a long time comin'
But I know my change has got to come
Oh yeah

I went, I went to my brother
And I asked him, "Brother
Could you help me, please?"
He said, "Good sister
I'd like to but I'm not able"
And when I, when I looked around
I was right back down
Down on my bended knees
Yes I was, oh

There've been times that I thought
I thought that I wouldn't last for long
But somehow right now I believe
That I'm able, I'm able to carry on
I tell you that it's been along
And oh it's been an uphill journey
All the way
But I know, I know, I know
I know my change is gonna come
Sometimes I had to cry all night long
Yes I did
Sometimes I had to give up right
For what I knew was wrong
Yes it's been an uphill journey
It's sure's been a long way comin'
Yes it has
It's been real hard
Every step of the way
But I believe, I believe
This evenin' my change is come
Yeah I tell you that
My change is come..

All I'm askin' is for a little RESPECT

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Aretha Franklin? Respect! Originally cut from Otis Redding, Aretha and her sister Carolyn added their own flavor to the remaking of the song “Respect”. This is her masterpiece, and the song Aretha will forever be remembered for. It was recorded on Valentine’s Day at Atlantic Recordings in NYC. Her husband at the time, Ted White, was absent during the recording which enabled Aretha to blast the song out with a newly unleashed fire and passion. It awakened the consciousness of people during the times of women’s liberation, the civil rights movement, and in all relationships to demand respect.

Aretha starts off the song with no hesitation and gets straight to the point by making a deal with whomever it may concern. Whatever you want, she’s got it, as long as you give her a little respect.

(oo) What you want
(oo) Baby, I got
(oo) What you need
(oo) Do you know I got it?
(oo) All I'm askin'
(oo) Is for a little respect when you get home

Everyone deserves respect: all sizes, ages, and colors of life. The influential message the song conveys is heard loudly by everyone who listens. There is an eternal popularity of the song “Respect” that will never lose its power because anyone can identify with this song, a universal language—it could be racial situation, political situation, or the man-woman situation. This song is about both civil rights and the feminist movement. The line ‘A little respect when you get home’ means more than having respect for another’s position. It was an instinctive feminist outcry, a sexual statement, and an announcement of dignity—a minority person making a statement of pride.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Take care, TCB
Oh (sock it to me, sock it to me,
sock it to me, sock it to me)

The two most famous aspects of the song were the parts that Aretha and her sister Carolyn added to Otis Redding’s original. The worldwide phrase ‘sock it to me’ and the way Aretha spells out ‘respect’ during the end of the song. The spelling out r-e-s-p-e-c-t it brings an exaggerated attention to the need for simply that, respect. If you respect her, she will respect you. Treat people the way you want to be treated.  During a time of racial unrest, “Respect” became a civil rights anthem.

 “TCB” is an abbreviation that was commonly used in the 1960s and 1970s, meaning ‘Taking Care (of) Business,’ and was widely used in Africa-American culture. Because it was less well-known outside of that culture, some of those who transcribed Franklin’s did not recognize its correct meaning. Some incorrectly interpreted the line ‘Take care of TCB’ as ‘TCP’- The Colored People. The passion, soul, and spirit of this song has helped those who struggle, those who need a little encouragement, and those who just need a good song to get stuck in their head!

Full Lyrics to “Respect”

(oo) What you want
(oo) Baby, I got
(oo) What you need
(oo) Do you know I got it?
(oo) All I'm askin'
(oo) Is for a little respect when you come home (just a little bit)
Hey baby (just a little bit) when you get home
(just a little bit) mister (just a little bit)

I ain't gonna do you wrong while you're gone
Ain't gonna do you wrong (oo) 'cause I don't wanna (oo)
All I'm askin' (oo)
Is for a little respect when you come home (just a little bit)
Baby (just a little bit) when you get home (just a little bit)
Yeah (just a little bit)

I'm about to give you all of my money
And all I'm askin' in return, honey
Is to give me my profits
When you get home (just a, just a, just a, just a)
Yeah baby (just a, just a, just a, just a)
When you get home (just a little bit)
Yeah (just a little bit)

------ instrumental break ------

Ooo, your kisses (oo)
Sweeter than honey (oo)
And guess what? (oo)
So is my money (oo)
All I want you to do (oo) for me
Is give it to me when you get home (re, re, re ,re)
Yeah baby (re, re, re ,re)
Whip it to me (respect, just a little bit)
When you get home, now (just a little bit)

R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Take care, TCB

Oh (sock it to me, sock it to me,
sock it to me, sock it to me)
A little respect (sock it to me, sock it to me,
sock it to me, sock it to me)
Whoa, babe (just a little bit)
A little respect (just a little bit)
I get tired (just a little bit)
Keep on tryin' (just a little bit)
You're runnin' out of foolin' (just a little bit)
And I ain't lyin' (just a little bit)
(re, re, re, re) 'spect
When you come home (re, re, re ,re)
Or you might walk in (respect, just a little bit)
And find out I'm gone (just a little bit)
I got to have (just a little bit)
A little respect (just a little bit)

A Healthier Aretha is Back!

CBS recently interviewed Aretha Franklin on May 8, 2011. She just released her 52^nd album! This ten minuet piece with Aretha gives a brief summary of her past and her most recent performances and shows. We get to see her at her home in Detroit and the church where it all started. Although her songs are about passion and love, during the interview Aretha puts up walls when asked about her current love life in addition to shying away to the grief in her life. However, one thing is for sure, Aretha will always remain the Queen of Soul!

Cultural and Historical Value

The 60’s were a turning point for women. Some women were breaking free of the domestic, motherly gender role of the 50’s, while others remained contained within these expectations. There was still this image of what a woman should be – a conservative, soft-spoken caregiver. After the Summer of Love, it was obvious that women were definitely capable and equal to men. The hippy movement proved that it WAS possible for women and men to exist as equals rather than a woman being under the control of her husband. However, in the real world, women were still expected to be wives and mothers. They were there to have children, and care for their family. Aretha showed the world just how strong a woman could be. She faced the problem many objectified women in the 60's faced - an abusive relationship. She was repeatedly beaten and used by her husband, Ted White. However, Aretha rose above the abuse. She showed women everywhere that they didn't have to fall victim to their partners. With the release of "Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You" women were given a role model - an exemplary model of a woman who overcame degradation and abuse from her husband. The 60’s was a time when women began to speak their minds, act how they wanted to act, and strive to become whatever they wanted to be. Aretha Franklin oozes power, self-confidence, and pride. She is a true diva, with courage and strength - she showed the world what it meant to be a black woman, and earned the respect of everyone in the country.

“Never Loved a Man The Way I Love You” strengthened and revolutionized the African American genre of music that valued gospel roots and projected a strong, proud image of the black woman. During a time when African Americans were finally beginning to be regarded as human beings, Aretha showed the world how valuable, strong, and successful a black woman could be in the world. She made all of America dance. Aretha’s amazing vocals, paired together with the rich, soulful songs presented by Jerry Wexler and Atlantic Records, made “Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You” a cultural revolution for African American music. African Americans always possessed soul. However, there was something special about Aretha that brought this black pride to a new level – sharing it with all of America. As her songs hit the top of the charts, her music became something all of America enjoyed. White people who formerly considered African Americans to be inferior, found themselves dancing to the catchy, soulful “Respect”. It was undeniable that Aretha’s music was magical. Even those who opposed integration and equality had to admit that Aretha was a musical genius. She rose to the top not by conforming to typical popular music, but by using her African American roots, highlighting her cultural pride, and flaunting her amazing talents. Her songs all have strong African American influence - some full of gospel soul, others covers of classics by Ray Charles and Sam Cooke. “A Change Is Gonna Come” was originally a song written about changing racist America. Together, Aretha and Atlantic Records chose this civil rights song, and made it a popular tune that all of America sang along with. Although Aretha tweaked it to convey her own personal journey, it remains a song that represents black pride, and strength to overcome prejudice in America. The fact that this song topped the charts and became a part of pop culture represents the revolutionary change that Aretha brought to America.

I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Loved You)

You're a no good heart breaker
You're a liar and you're a cheat
And I don't know why
I let you do these things to me
My friends keep telling me
That you ain't no good
But oh, they don't know
That I'd leave you if I could

I guess I'm uptight
And I'm stuck like glue
Cause I ain't never
I ain't never, I ain't never, no, no (loved a man)
(The way that I, I love you)

Some time ago I thought
You had run out of fools
But I was so wrong
You got one that you'll never lose
The way you treat me is a shame
How could ya hurt me so bad
Baby, you know that I'm the best thing
That you ever had
Kiss me once again

Don'cha never, never say that we we're through
Cause I ain't never
Never, Never, no, no (loved a man)
(The way that I, I love you)

I can't sleep at night
And I can't even fight
I guess I'll never be free
Since you got, your hooks, in me

Whoa, oh, oh
Yeah! Yeah!
I ain't never loved a man
I ain't never loved a man, baby
Ain't never had a man hurt me so bad

No
Well this is what I'm gonna do about it

"Never Loved A Man The Way That I Love You" Song Analysis

The title album track “Never Loved a Man The Way That I Love You” was originally written for a Motown pop cover band. However, Jerry Wexler from Atlantic Records knew Aretha could transform it into a deep, emotional ode. Wexler chose this song for her, along with many others on the album, knowing that she could live up to each and every song – delivering emotion and soul into each song in a different way. In contrast to other songs on the album such as “REPECT”, “Never Loved A Man The Way That I Love You” is deeply moving and has a feeling of sadness surrounding it. However, Aretha’s strong voice assures the listener that she won’t let this pain overtake her. She is strong, despite her struggles. Organs, horns, and Aretha’s church piano surge and create a harmonious background for her powerful vocals. The song has a heavy blues influence. The swinging tune reminds me of Ray Charles’ deep, soulful blues. Throughout the song, Aretha’s emotions become stronger and stronger. They begin to explode through her words, surge up simultaneously with the background music, creating a musical flood of emotions that makes the listener feel the bursting feeling behind the words. At this time in her life, Aretha was brimming with emotion. She was in the process of freeing herself from her husband, Ted White’s control. She was breaking out into a new fabulous career; she was a promising talent. She knew White would only hold her back. He was reeking havock on her personal and professional life – trying to destroy her blooming career. But Aretha wouldn’t let him hold her down. She knew she had a promising future, and she wouldn’t let an abusive man constrain her soul.

She exceeded all expectations for “Never Loved a Man The Way That I Love You”. She interpreted the song in her own way, applying it to her own relationship and allowing her emotions to flow freely through the music. She gives the audience a perfect blend of deep, dark blues and jazzy revival soul music. The whole song contains a certain clarity of words and emotion, which enlightens us to Aretha’s pain, but also her strength. Her range is impeccable, impacting the audience to feel her struggle. These overpowering emotions and her flawless voice make “Never Loved a Man The Way I That I Love You” a timeless, transcendental ode.

Aretha Franklin, April 2011 issue of Elle Magazine.

Aretha Franklin was featured in the April 2011 issue of Elle, an issue dedicated to "Gold Dust Women". "From the new-wave vocal powerhouses to indie-minded breakouts to enduring legends who still rock our world, ELLE honors the women in music sounding off in 2011" (Elle)

In the interview, Aretha stated, “I am going to rock this [size] 16. Sixteen probably sounds large to girls who wear 10s and 12s, but I love it, because it looks good on me.”

She remains a confident, strong woman who represents soul, and defines what it means to be a diva. In this spread, she only proves she hasn't lost her spunk.

Getting Personal with Aretha

In the years preceding the album, "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You", Franklin endured extreme hardship in her personal and professional life. She married Ted White in 1966, and he worked as her manager and director. He helped her produce jazz albums, but he never allowed Aretha to live up to her full potential. There were countless stories of Ted White publically and privately abusing Aretha. Friends and family were constantly professing their worry for Aretha’s wellbeing. White wrecked her career, ruining her relationship with Columbia records with his incontrollable temper. It seemed Aretha’s career might never be salvaged. However, in 1966, Jerry Wexler from Atlantic Records saw something remarkable in Aretha. He picked out songs for her to record, and helped her produce songs of her own. Ted White continued to reek havoc on these new opportunities Aretha was being presented with. He feared losing control of her, but Wexler helped Aretha through this, and allowed her to obtain her true potential. On the inside of the CD, a picture of Aretha with big, fabulous hair, and a visage covered in make-up that doesn’t quite mask a battered face. A bruise beneath her right eye, and a swollen lip, could easily be overlooked. Like the album itself, Aretha both covers up her pain but lets it peek out beneath the surface. At points in the album, she unleashes her hardship, singing painfully beautiful odes that release the suffering she experienced for years. 2 years after the album was released, she mustered up the courage to break it off with Ted White, the abusive husband who held her back for so long.

Here, Aretha Franklin sings one of her most famous and successful blues songs of all time - "Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)". This song was released as a single in 1967, and became the title of her album which contained many other soulful songs. However, this song is unique because it hit number one on the pop charts, although it is somewhat of a slow, jazzy, blues song.

Album Cover

Aretha Franklin’s album, “I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You” was produced by Jerry Wexler with the label Atlantic Recording Corporation. The album was released on March 10, 1967 and manufactured and marketed by Rhino Entertainment Company, a Warner Music Group company. She started recording the album at FAME studios in Alabama, but then finished recording in New York.

During 1967, Motown was at it’s prime – soul music pervaded the world and integrated black culture into pop culture and pop music. Franklin’s album was jazzy, soulful, with a distinct pop influence. Artists such as James Brown, Otis Redding, and James Carr were popular in the years preceding Franklin’s success, and they inspired Aretha to produce this diverse, monumental album that would never be forgotten.

In 1967, "Respect" was a #1 single on Billboard’s Hot 100 Pop singles chart and the title track was a #9 single. In 2002, Rolling Stones placed the album at #1 on their "Women in Rock: 50 Essential Albums" list. Aretha won two Grammys in 1986 for her song “Respect”—‘Best Rhythm & Blues Recording’ and ‘Best Female R&B Vocal Performance’.

Track Listing

“Respect” (Otis Redding) 2:29

“Drown in My Own Tears” (Henry Glover) 4:07

“I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" (Ronny Shannon) 2:51

"Soul Serenade" (Curtis Ousley, Luther Dixon) 2:39

"Don't Let Me Lose This Dream" (Aretha Franklin and Ted White) 2:23

"Baby, Baby, Baby" (A. Franklin, C. Franklin) 2:54

"Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business)" (A. Franklin, White) 3:23

“ Good Times” (Sam Cooke) 2:10

"Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" (Dan Penn, Chips Moman) 3:16

"Save Me" (Ousley, A. Franklin, C. Franklin) 2:21

“A Change Is Gonna Come” (Cooke) 4:20

Personnel/Band Members

Aretha Franklin - Piano, Vocals, King Curtis - Tenor saxophone, Carolyn Franklin - Background Vocals, The Sweet Inspirations - Background Vocals, Willie Bridges - Baritone saxophone, Charles Chalmers - Tenor saxophone, Gene Chrisman – Drums, Tommy Cogbill – Bass, Jimmy Johnson – Guitar, Melvin Lastie - Trumpet, Cornet, Chips Moman – Guitar, Dewey Oldham - Keyboards

"If a song's about something I've experienced or that could've happened to me it's good. But if it's alien to me, I couldn't lend anything to it. Because that's what soul is all about." - Aretha Franklin