Aretha gave us two versions of Ave Maria over the years: one for church, and one for the holiday party.
O Holy Night
No studio version exists, but there are two live performances.
14 Angels
Aretha brings opera to Christmas.
My Way
It sat unreleased for 36 years, but Aretha’s “My Way” is better than Frank Sinatra’s.
A Change Is Gonna Come
Aretha narrates Sam Cooke’s classic as Sam, in tribute to Sam, and with her own changes in mind.
First Snow In Kokomo
One of the most beautiful things Aretha ever wrote and recorded.
Come To Me
The opening cut from Aretha’s 1980 Arista debut showcases a singer with something to prove.
The Lord Will Make A Way
Aretha adds some pure gospel into her 2008 Christmas LP.
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Aretha stormed the gates and seized ownership of this classic before Simon & Garfunkel could even get their hands on their Grammys.
Look To The Rainbow
Aretha takes a page from Dinah Washington & the composer of “Over The Rainbow” on this 1986 cover.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Aretha’s take on this Christmas staple is a slow-paced, melismatic vocal show out.
O Christmas Tree/ O Tannenbaum
Aretha gets into the Christmas spirit with this classic, and surprises an audience with an impromptu version in 2015
Jimmy Lee
This retro groove gave 80’s Aretha a nostalgic 60’s feel.
Until You Come Back To Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)
Stevie Wonder brought Aretha one of her most enduring hits. Stevie sang it first, but Aretha’s version is the standard, and made chart history.
Laughing On The Outside (Crying On The Inside)
The title cut to Aretha Franklin’s fourth album at Columbia Records, Laughing On The Outside, is another cover. Shocking, right? Aretha? A cover? As I’ve
A Mother’s Love
Subtle, yet powerful, Aretha describes the love of a mother.
If I Lose
Aretha returns to jazz on this beautiful, little-known 1992 cut from the soundtrack to White Men Can’t Jump
If She Don’t Want Your Lovin’
Sugar Ray Aretha steps into the ring on this 1982 cut.
365 Days of Aretha Franklin 