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)