Aretha sits down at the piano and gets a new set of lyrics to take on Dinah Washington’s “Evil Gal Blues”
Tag: Columbia Records
Operation Heartbreak
Today, it’s a little-known b-side. But “Operation Heartbreak” was one of Aretha’s most successful songs at Columbia Records.
You Made Me Love You
Aretha gives two very distinct readings of this Al Jolsen song, made a hit by Bing Crosby.
How Glad I Am
Aretha takes on a Nancy Wilson hit, and for once largely leaves the arrangement as is.
Tiny Sparrow
One of an album’s worth of material recorded in 1963 that wasn’t first released until 2002.
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
Everybody knows…
Winter Wonderland
Aretha grooves by the fire in this 1964 take on the Christmas classic.
Blue Holiday
One of Aretha’s early holiday cuts overflows with emotion.
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.
Lee Cross
The quantity of songwriting Aretha Franklin’s first husband did is debatable, but he did compose this song, recorded in 1964 & released in 1967.
I’m Sitting On Top Of The World
Aretha takes on Al Jolson’s classic “I’m Sitting On Top Of The World” on her third album, 1962’s The Tender, The Moving, The Swinging Aretha
Unforgettable
Leave it to Aretha to not only rearrange “Unforgettable”, but also end it with a rousing vocal show-out.
If I Had A Hammer
As Aretha Franklin’s days at Columbia Records wound down, the label continued to try new tricks to turn her floundering career around. In 1965, they
I Told You So
Jazz, blues, and big band come together on this 1962 cut, with a killer vocal closing.
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
Make Someone Happy
Aretha demonstrates power and restraint on this Broadway cut.
Every Little Bit Hurts
in 1964, Aretha eyed the hits in hopes of having her own.
