My Introduction to Aretha Franklin’s Music

I’m young, but have an old soul. I like R&B, soul, and old school music. I am very familiar with the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. As a child, if I was with my mom, I’d surely hear her 80s and 90s music. Throughout the years I watched the Queen perform at various events. Her distinctive voice resonates with me when I hear her on the radio or tv. Did you know that she’s the woman singing the theme song on tv show, A Different World? Members of the 30 and up club, I need ya’ll to have gotten that one right.

Now let’s get into how I really began to appreciate Ms. Franklin’s music. Back in under grad, I signed up for an elective dance class. On the first day, the first song we danced to was “Rock Steady”. Sounds of the instruments in the background (bass, horns) drew my attention right away. It was an automatic notion to sway my hips from side to side. I mean the song gives the instructions. When class was dismissed, I was yearning to hear more.

While still pursuing my education, it led me to another college one hour away. I needed some CDs to listen to for the long ride. Lo and behold, my Aunt Dee had Aretha’s greatest hits double CD! I talked her into letting me borrow it. After all, the older generation loves when you show interest in music they grew up on.

Aretha Franklin’s Greatest Hits CD

That CD gave me life. At the time I knew nothing about loving a man. I liked them of course. “Chain of Fools”, “Day Dreaming”, and “Jump to It”, were a few I related to at the time. I know I’m not a link in someone’s chain anymore. Day dreaming was a requirement for the boring classes. When my guy friend would call or text me, I’d jump to it. I was ready to be wherever he was. If my girlfriends and I were out and he hit me up, I was gone.

So here’s something funny. My aunt and I spoke last week. She just had to ask if I had any music by Aretha Franklin. I came clean and told her I still have the CDs she let me borrow roughly 14 years ago. I thought I was gonna get grilled. She laughed and said, “Well, hell it’s yours now!” Indeed it’s mine. After all these years, I have no intent to give them back now. LOL. Are they in the same condition? No. The CDs skip here and there, so there’s always YouTube.

The Queen’s music is timeless. Music to make you think about love, get up and dance, cry, and lets not forget worship the Lord. She was an icon. Her catalog spreads through decades. Take a look at the list of songs that I like below. If you weren’t aware, you’ll see she made music with a couple younger artists too.

My Favorite Aretha Franklin Songs

Order Music

Here’s some a link if you’re thinking about ordering an album or downloading a song:

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