When Aretha took the stage at New York City’s Beacon Theater on April 14, 1998 for VH1 Divas Live, it was a victory lap and
Mr. DJ (5 For The DJ)
In the mid 1970’s, Aretha Franklin’s soaring success began to simmer, and 1975’s You was a nail in the coffin concerning her A-team of producers.
Swanee
“Swanee” was legendary composer George Gershwin’s first big hit. With the music composed by Gershwin and lyrics written by Irving Casear, the song was born
Dark End Of The Street
Aretha performs an untethering from this song’s original that would make Red from Jordan Peele’s Us jealous.
Make Someone Happy
Aretha demonstrates power and restraint on this Broadway cut.
Honey, I Need Your Love
Aretha’s first credit as sole producer is one of the bright spots from 1979’s La Diva.
Moody’s Mood
Aretha’s 1973 take on this jazz staple, produced by Quincy Jones, accelerates the tempo to new heights
Good News
One of Aretha’s last gospel recordings doesn’t sound very gospel musically, but lyrically it’s all glory to God.
Every Little Bit Hurts
in 1964, Aretha eyed the hits in hopes of having her own.
Amazing Grace
It was… grace. “Amazing Grace” needs no introduction.
8 Days On The Road
A little-known cut from 1974’s Let Me In Your Life finds Aretha making her way home.
Try A Little Tenderness
Aretha covered this before Otis Redding. Otis covered it because of Aretha’s version.
Living In The Streets
Written by Rod Temperton, this cut centers around an infectious, bass-driven groove.
April Fools
Aretha channels her feelings about her relationship into this Dionne Warwick record written by Bacharach/David.
You Grow Closer
One of the least-discussed songs from Aretha’s debut recordings has a unique history.
Never Leave You Again
Aretha joins forces with Puff Daddy (Diddy), Cory Rooney, and Kelly Price on this 1998 cut.
Over The Rainbow
When Aretha Franklin signed with Columbia Records in 1960, she was just 18 years old. John Hammond, famous at the time for discovering Billie Holliday,
Sweet Passion
The title track for Aretha Franklin’s ill-fated 1977 album Sweet Passion is a saga. It’s one of 4 self-penned cuts on the album With Aretha
365 Days of Aretha Franklin 