Aretha Franklin’s musical genius in 2 songs

Two songs that show off Aretha Franklin’s gospel roots.
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Aretha Franklin will always be the Queen of Soul. In the 1960s songs like “Respect” became the symbol for political and social change. It’s likely the reason her music moved so many people wasn’t necessarily the lyrics, but the way she delivered them.
Aretha was raised in the church, and her life and music was rooted in gospel music. You can hear this so clearly in her live performances and covers, where every musical decision she made was in the moment.
Listen to any one of Aretha’s songs and you’ll understand the power of gospel music, but her live performance of “Dr. Feelgood” and her cover of “Son of a preacher man” are a great place to start.
Special thanks to Brigitta Johnson, Robert Darden, and Raymond Wise for sharing their expertise in gospel music history.
Note: The title of this video has been updated. It was previously "The gospel according to Aretha Franklin."
Vox.com is a news website that helps you cut through the noise and understand what's really driving the events in the headlines. Check out www.vox.com.
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[@Vox]

Read more about the life of Aretha Franklin, the late Queen of Soul, on Vox.com: bit.ly/2Ppfv3h

[@chronic6446]

Vox L

[@aaron3941]

Disable the comments

[@dysonsquared]

Since her passing, I've seen many memorials praising Aretha's unique talent and importance in modern American music. I knew VOX's two cents would definitively get to the nitty gritty, musicologically! So, I patiently waited for you and am deeply into your loving analysis. Thank you for this great essay!❤

[@ifiwasasaint8897]

Vox How did she die???

[@MichaelEGriesbaum]

Why did you change the title from "The gospel according to Aretha Franklin"?

[@andreeaandronic1361]

"Start low, go slow. Catch fire, rise higher." My new life motto

[@stuartross7640]

Yes that is some truism there and I’m an aithiest !

[@stuartross7640]

Atheist* my bad spelling

[@leslieemaxon]

yeshNOWzzzzzzzzzzzzYA

[@SuperLindo11]

Word 🙏🏾

[@bsykesbeats4013]

People always talk about her voice, but so many people forget how dope of a piano player she was too

[@Msd4-13]

And a song writer.

[@memphotan]

She was my homegirl from Memphis. I remember one morning waking up to the smell of homemade biscuits, fresh fried chicken, and my momma singing along with Aretha Franklin from the kitchen. Those were good memories! Now I've lost my momma AND Aretha and the world seems darker. I miss them both...so much! You can't fake soul..it's something that comes from the gut.

[@kama3759]

This made me cry. God bless

[@ddacoe0]

It'll get brighter I hope for you!

[@littlehouseinthebigapple5716]

i felt this...

[@Trund27]

Ronald James I’m so sorry you lost you Mother. It’s so hard to love our loved ones. Be well, friend.

[@Kymani_the_legend]

Sorry for your loss 🙏🏽💔‼️🍃

[@Rodoadrenalina]

so this is why singers in general scream in an annoying way, they want to be a soul singer but have no idea how to do it.

[@suk4honesty]

Even then, people who are known to have a sense of richness about their voice are generally born with thicker vocal chords than those who don’t. You can make a cheap copy but people like Aretha were just born with the physical ability to sing that way. She was born to sing!

[@possiblymaybe6711]

True some of these stars just don’t have the range

[@juliaalexander5788]

Amen!

[@prof32]

There's also a history and a culture that this music comes from. It's not enough to just try and holler or riff, which a lot of the younger singers are trying to emulate. They haven't lived the life of a black woman during and before the civil rights era. Most of the singers trying to emulate the sound weren't raised in black churches, so their experience singing soul or gospel music is limited because all they want are the tricks but they don't have any knowledge of the history of a people who have been mocked and scorned throughout history. That is where Aretha and most singers are coming from. You can have all the vocal tricks in the world but if it's not coming from life experience, then it will come off as disingenuous. Black people who grew up in the Pentecostal churches call it "anointing". Secular people call it "soul".

[@popland1977]

@@prof32 It's not just that secular people call it soul. Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and many more made a concerted effort to secularise Gospel in order to have a commercial career

[@ThatOneGuy7550]

I wish these were more frequent... a lot of good analysis. RIP Aretha Franklin. You'll be missed.

[@kennethmonson]

Earworm is easily one of the best things on this channel, the analysis always gripping.

[@kolynification]

ikr i think that was one of the reasons I subscribed to vox

[@Evynnwithay]

Soo appropriately in depth

[@quartzy412]

♥️♥️

[@homoerectus744]

I use to be in another room, when my mom and my aunt would be listening to Aretha Franklin records, I'd be in a bedroom or nearby because us youngins weren't allowed to be sitting " all up under us looking in our mouths". They'd stress the main emotional Crux of a phrase ,or give a call& response to what ever Ms. Re Re would be putting down.later I'm embarrassed to say I took up the mantle singing to songs like 'Since you've been gone". Imagining the combination t.v. console was an organ or a piano....in solitude, of course. ( A t.v. console had also a radio and record player,and it was about 54 inches long ,low on the floor,with the screen dominating a third of it...FYI)

[@callmejay05]

Three things: 1. Anyone who has spent time attending a Black church at any point during the past 150 years is familiar with what Aretha’s gospel stylings. 2. Gospel, blues and R&B are separated only by the subject matter of the lyrics. Many times, lyrics are ambiguous enough where a song could go either way. Also, the same people performing at a particular function on Sat were also in church on Sun. 3. This (the spiritual, soul-stirring component of American music) is (part of) Black people’s (Americans of African descent) culture (the thing that some people say we don’t have) and our contribution to humanity.

[@notyourcis7441]

callmejay05 callmejay05 you watch sensei Aishitemasus channel huh. I love ❤️ saran

[@victoriaappiagei1482]

Dope music awesome Cool good music queen soul rlp

[@stewartellis7947]

callmejay05 You only needed 3 points to describe soul music yet from jazz comes the phenomenon of funk. Funk: An irresistibly repeatable, elegant epitomic moment that RESOLVES a sophisticated person's quest for complexity back to a new appreciation of simple harmony.

[@t.l.5755]

Stewart Ellis And Sister Rosetta Tharpe birth rock n' roll before the sound came out of the Church and was stolen by Elvis. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZDRYamhr8hrhrc

[@summerreed3688]

Hehe 150 years... x)

[@ERGSEG]

MTV should’ve just played this video rather than have Madonna speak.

[@randombrokeperson]

Madonna needs to stop signing up to honor Black legends who didn't like or know her. She's talks about herself too much anyway

[@victoriaappiagei1482]

Madonna falls mtv awards lost queen soul you Madonna talk herself cover tribute Aretha Franklin wow one job one job talk Aretha Franklin

[@foxyboop4164]

Agreed!!

[@blachubear]

Better than Ariana Grande singing & wearing a short dress at a funeral(shaking my head).

[@Alione]

BIG FACTS!

[@michaeltonikov]

Please do a earworm video on Nina Simone!!

[@josephhughessr5369]

Love Nina Simone. So underrated

[@kristiang4290]

YES!!

[@manryhood]

This.

[@reesehall3584]

YESSSS

[@stankbutt88]

Yes @Vox please do an earworm of Nina Simone and Lauryn Hill

[@AsapAnimation]

* 18 Grammys * presidental medal * R-E-S-P-E-C-T was an Otis Redding remix

[@bri1085]

*cover

[@abdiasis992]

Bri10 more of a rendition than a cover

[@nickb816]

Yep! goes to show how much reach she has.

[@sibun7153]

20 Grammys. She has the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Legend Award

[@Okkkkkkk-ol5kz]

Aretha: “Can I hear you say yeah??” Me in my pjs in my living room: “YEAH!!”

[@oceanview777]

You’re not the only one!

[@emelineemeline9114]

As a lifelong Aretha fan, this was a _VERY_ good analysis of her gift.

[@anniesue4456]

Ditto here

[@Housewarmin]

I got chills this whole video. We love you Aretha 💕

[@PHlophe]

she will also be remembered for her mastery of the art of subtle shade. she had too many WMD at her disposal. even in death all the Adeles will only havr their cute dresses, beautiful gowns .

[@davidb5205]

Lechiffresix six - Aretha actually said Adele was a "young singer, good singer." The "great gowns, beautiful gowns" comment was in reference to Taylor Swift.

[@Zeldarw104]

Ikr!😔🎶🎶🎶🎹🎤❤❤❤❤❤🌟☺

[@iLLiVaTe]

same

[@sweetpea7455]

@@PHlophe same

[@Doskharaas]

I am a buddhist and Now I understand why All the time I listen to her music my heart getting full of spirituality.

[@flopojazz]

손지상 it's not Buddhist music tho

[@Doskharaas]

Shrugged Fishy That is my a whole point right there. Even a Buddhist like myself could felt holy spirit with her music.

[@Doskharaas]

jo mo mo Indeed. So sad for lost her.

[@riccia9674]

Yes very powerful

[@freebernard3473]

The world has no spirit without the black woman sir

[@876LND]

I’m not a Christian, but her music takes you to church!

[@mikeol510]

@@emetdara2999 disrespectful .. live n let live

[@mikeol510]

@@emetdara2999 He was jus sayn how powerful her music was.

[@ecliptik8020]

Emet Dara because some people are not christian

[@Ladysdg]

You are not a Christian but her music takes you to a place and makes you wonder!!! I know the feeling.

[@ljooni]

@@emetdara2999 You said "Why not!!" Just two words, with no additional clues that you are merely curious and interested in learning more. Accompanied with two exclamation marks. If you think that is a respectful of way of asking then okay, maybe it is kinda understandable in your mind, but it is in fact not a respectful way to ask. You need to verbalize your intentions properly. And when it comes to online communication, please understand that one exclamation, question mark, or period is the way to go, unless you want to express overt emotional reaction. Respectful question is not the place. You do not seem merely curious and people pointing that out are not wrong.

[@lunaharpers]

Rest in peace one of the greatest singers in the 20th Century.

[@alexandradillard2077]

Shootin Star ★ And into the 21st Century.

[@richg4051]

of all time

[@rosebuddraper2666]

Hands down.....sorry.

[@achosenvessel6563]

She's the sangingest woman that ever walked this planet.

[@tyahmad4950]

A CHOSEN VESSEL amen

[@3vivk]

She’s influenced pretty much every genre and singer that came after her. I don’t think she gets enough credit in today’s world 💕💕💕💕

[@charlesphilips2045]

An appropriate tribute to the Queen of Soul, and yet another very informative piece by Vox. Good work guys.

[@ksenos69]

"Start low, go slow. Catch fire, rise higher". I realized something important today.

[@stephdrake2521]

Sissy Houston ( Whitney Houston’s mother ) was Aretha back-up singers. She’s in this video. I wish she would have spoke about Aretha on this video or her passing. I’m sure she would have shed some valuable stories on Aretha’s career. Rest In Peace Queen. She got a chance to live a full life ... most entertainers die young... so people be gratefully.

[@latoshawhite8495]

I can't get enough of aretha franklin music she reigns the queen of soul rip aretha

[@Human_Enthusiast]

Her singing is gorgeous.

[@19Musicismylife96]

The first time I heard Aretha Franklin's voice, I was about 8 years old. My mom played a VCD of Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit and I remember just listening to A Deeper Love play through the credits. Still one of the best songs I've heard. Long Live the Queen.

[@timothybyes849]

SAME. I was reminded of it when she passed, unfortunately.

[@anye76]

mama said you could always tell what Aretha was feeling and going through in her life by her music. you hear it, her soul pours out. magnificent. she can not even be duplicated, not really even imitated. rest easy queen.

[@tonylancer7367]

The most powerful, beautiful soul that inspired many great singers (even Whitney Houston!!!!). We miss you already Aretha!!!!

[@seanbean4682]

Aretha Franklin was so goddamn BADASS and talented that no tribute will ever do that woman justice. I remember hearing her music when I was 3 or 4 and being floored at her true awesomeness. 20 something years later I'm still reeling at the sheer talent this woman possessed. Saying "once in a lifetime" would be the understatement of a lifetime. She had a kid at 12 years old, and grew up to be a pivotal figure in social change as well as making music that will literally be considered a high point in human history. Timeless, peerless, fearless, and I can't think of anyone who deserves more to live on forever through the gifts they have given us. R.I.P. Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul. The woman who fought against every odd imaginable to change our lives and fill our hearts with passion and inspiration. An icon of the highest order.

[@rva]

Wonderfully made video. Captured effortlessly

[@Tu51ndBl4d3]

THANK YOU BLACK PEOPLE FOR EXISTING, WE APPRECIATE YOU

[@Lensman864]

They're just people. Stop hyping them. Just people.

[@auntieantebellummyblacktra229]

@@Lensman864 LMFAO meanwhile this whole industry is greased on black talent and suffering. GTFO #AuntieAntebellum

[@unc1589]

You’re welcome and thank you!

[@unc1589]

Just people? That’s a modern concept. Don’t let your ancestors hear you say that.

[@ddnn1497]

This is racism : you consider some human beings as having the same quality (or flaw) or comportment (good or bad) because of their skin color.

[@trgoohileshea2820]

There is no question that this woman was one of the greatest singers of all time! All you have to do is listen to her sing one song and it cemented in you!

[@huntrrams]

I love her appearance in Blues Brothers when she began that Think song and that’s what made me love her discography. RIP Aretha 😥🌹

[@knowerzark]

Whitney’s mama singing with the Sweet Inspirations...and Sam Cooke touring with Aretha on the chitlin circuit when she was just a kid...the line runs through them all

[@TheKPM]

God this was good. Thank you for letting me mourn in the most appropriate way. I was lucky enough to see her perform live last year on Long Island. May she rest in soul.

[@LastPersephone]

Aretha taught me how to feel music! I’m forever grateful...🙏🏽

[@largesoda1729]

Well she's one with her music now... Bye Aretha, we ain't gonna forget you!

[@VlogEva]

I smiled through this whole video. Rest In Peace Aretha, you absolute legend, your music will be with me for the rest of my life! Much love 💛

[@unc1589]

To the lady from VOX, I dig you for your soul receptors and your attention to detail. The piece you did on Dilla and the mpc 3000 was really dope. You totally get it!!! Thanks much.

[@zachheilman784]

By the end of this vid I got a real Ken Burns vibe from the video, and I mean that in the best possible way.

[@Jessica.000]

Such a powerful voice!! Rest in peace, Ms. Franklin💔

[@memorandom7484]

Nobody like her, never before, never since and never again. What an incredible woman.

[@mechajay3358]

*_~Rest in Peace, Queen of Soul~_*

[@PhilipJackson03]

Honestly. I just Love how Vox can make something you didn’t really think about. Like how music really works, breaks it down and makes it seem so amazing. Keep this up.

[@georgethompson1991]

My word. I’ve always respected her and always will. I’ve always loved her, and I always will! But Vox, all your videos are so insightful, informative, easily understood but most of all, just incredible. But back to the real, true Queen, this video made me just all around appreciate her on a different level. What a tribute!

[@raystaar]

Good commentary. I saw Aretha once in London back in 1967 (I think). We bought our tickets at the last minute so we sat way up in the back of the second balcony among a throng of very enthusiastic Jamaicans. When she came out, they erupted, and darlin' ,the lava flowed for nearly the entire set. It was an unforgettable and an electrifying experience.

[@everydayeveryday982]

Great songs by Aretha Franklin.

[@safeinmyheart1]

This is a wonderful tribute to Aretha. Thank you so much for taking the time to make it for everyone! 💕

[@007KrausBean]

Not a fan of gospel at all, but Aretha can make me listen to it. Her voice is so amazing. She was so amazing as a person and a singer. RIP Aretha

[@Sttephy30]

I don't understand how folks not like Gospel when it spanned Rock, R&B, Blues, Jazz etc... Its such an immaculate genre

[@Zenguy89]

Oh ok

[@tippersmami]

my whole life i listened to soul and aretha during the hardest times

[@queenoftruth8543]

SHE WAS “SOUL” BEAUTIFUL! THE QUEEN IS RESTING PEACEFULLY.

[@jo40vi]

I feel so good when I hear a song that gives me shivers. I felt it through the whole video.

[@morriswilburn9858]

I have heard some very powerful female singers in gospel, blues, pop and rock. Marion Williams, Clara Ward, Mahalia Jackson come to mind. But none moreso than Aretha Franklin, and only a handful her equal.

[@ImNotaRussianBot]

I got chills go up and down my body.

[@chryslyer]

That Dr Feelgood performance! Ever since I first heard it - it's so electric and alive!

[@rosebuddraper2666]

Omg 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@LOL-fo9dt]

i miss her ❤️

[@firebird188]

I doubt that.

[@LOL-fo9dt]

firebird188 because of my name? my profile picture? aretha was amazing. we all miss her.

[@firebird188]

No, because we assume the music is gonna die with her. She was 76 and at the end of her life. She made her mark in history already. Your reaction is the same when Bowie, Micheal Jackson, James Brown etc. passed away. I could write you an essay about this, but remember: She is gone, but her music isn't.

[@LOL-fo9dt]

firebird188 you have a good point. however, i do wish she was with us for longer. i will keep listening to her music and we will continue to honor her :)

[@galaxymarshmello8883]

Me too

[@hermellakebede859]

I actually teared up this was amazing

[@NovackGeorgeTT1971]

Such a short video packing such a punch! Amazing coverage of a beloved loss. And let me make a suggestion to everyone who loves her music: Turn your speakers up 50%, turn all the lights in your home off, sit on your favourite chair in the dark (like you're at her concert) and play Aretha Live for 30 mins. You will cry from the joy she stirs in you.

[@FARID1870]

I was listening to Aretha even as a 20yr old in the early 90s... when she was no longer in the charts. immense talent!

[@rango102]

This was very insightful of her artistry as a musical genius without compromising her individuality as note gospel singer. Ms. Franklin, you are sorely missed forever heartbroken over the loss of you "Queen". A fan always!

[@aeway_]

Son of a preacherman and Arethas songs in The Blues Brothers made me love music when I was a kid

[@dongvermine]

Much love forever Ms.Franklin!

[@shanke300]

Humanity's greatest gift...soulful music. Raw power of uncompromising emotions.

[@JoseMorales-lw5nt]

Here's to the woman who ALMOST made me forget that her signature hit RESPECT was a COVER of an Otis Redding song! All due respect to Brother Otis. Love that Stax horn section and pounding drum beat on his original. But Aretha? Good Lord....

[@nataliasanchez8713]

R.I.P Aretha Franklin Missed but never forgotten.

[@c3musiq]

Gospel at it's purist. It's weird to hear it broken down in science. When you are raised in church it's just natural. Queen of Soul

[@DippinSauc]

One is the greatest singer of all time. Will be dearly missed forever. RIP 😞

[@source5729]

She transcended all of the crap in her way & brought an enlightenment of CONSCIOUSNESS to the masses about women AND being black that wasn’t allowed to be heard until her. This makes her a QUEEN

[@kudjoeadkins-battle2502]

She gives me chills.. I tear up when I listen to her. God!!!

[@jayhunter7387]

She was beautiful back in the day. Natural black Beauty

[@daimonmarioperez9501]

Man o man. Nobody did it better. All hail the Queen...

[@hothothotmale]

A true legend indeed. ......

[@blackberrylady6025]

World best singer....Some singers songs hits the heart but Aretha goes to the bones....🎵🎵🎵🎶🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆😀😀😀😀🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖

[@eddielove473]

I really love how you put this together for Aretha Franklin

[@Laaaaaaaaaura]

My skin went wild with this video #chills

[@davidt8936]

One of the sound tracks of my childhood, shaping me into the very person I am today!

[@Brandon-gw4ed]

I miss the soul in music. I miss the gospel in soul. I miss this music.

[@mitchellcook6029]

Another beautiful Detroit native that has gone on to glory. Arepha you will be missed.

[@novalenedailey-payne4151]

I'm so happy I'll get to meet her one day.

[@FlopFlips]

This was really well put together. Well done Vox. 👏🏼

[@yocampout]

I was waiting on u, earworm. Thanks for coming thru 👍👍👍

[@PastorKemp]

You guys did your research and I greatly appreciate that! I love that you even delve into the gospel roots of Aretha because many people tend to forget the influence it had on her voice and music.

[@ortem000]

Fantastic tribute to her talent. Thank you.

[@TerryManning]

Good Lord, have mercy. Getting this album RIGHT. NOW.

[@IzzyTheGent]

Vox, thank you for emphasizing the Gospel thread that ran through Aretha’s music and her essence. Around the time of her passing, many media outlets either neglected this key factor or gave very little attention to it. Job well done.

[@markmcmyn8967]

There is much to learn from the music of Aretha Franklin.

[@matthewmckenna248]

Rest in peace.

[@MrPrentissDJones]

Beautiful remembrance (Great research, and thank you for including Reverend James Cleveland, he played a big part) of the queen of soul. Miss Aretha Franklin

[@soulsuccess]

I wish aretha and donny hathaway would've done a album together. The two greatest vocalists of all time. Rip

[@JazzFlop212]

They are both incredible but they have completely different energies in their music if that makes sense. I just cant imagine it would have worked well. Donny is so under appreciated it's ridiculous

[@jlee509]

Her songs are heartwarming and comfortable: like home.

[@deedelrio7744]

This was awesome. Rest In Peace Ms. Aretha. It would be great to see one of these on Nina Simone.

[@petiteplanete]

This video is a great appreciation, thanks!

[@martincotterill823]

I love Aretha! Sweet Bitter Love is my favourite

[@Trund27]

How absolutely astounding. The talent she had...I’m in awe.

[@TeamTasia418]

rock n roll stole alot from gospel

[@itsthehumor95]

Gospel, jazz and blues are the base of Rock N Roll.

[@yvettecleveland2757]

The greatest form of flattery is when someone emulates you.....lol

[@georgerascon1825]

Rock and Roll was STOLEN from black people.

[@EclecticoIconoclasta]

The difference is that Rock n roll is the devil´s music while gospel is praise of the christian god. In that respect Rock n roll innovated. Lucifer is the Bringer of Light !!!

[@bruhbruh112]

@@yvettecleveland2757 if they admit it

[@Evannator1]

Thanks vox! Very lovely 😊

[@dignifiedblackman4742]

This was amazing 👏🏾

[@benbrownjr.7626]

This may be the best damn thing on the internet I have seen and heard in ages. Thank you.

[@mayelact8139]

Aretha: a true singularity ⭐️

[@pacinorules752]

Wow. Great analysis of what made Aretha special.

[@leeki9889]

Ok so I got chills listening to her sing

[@lylyluvda916]

Every time I hear this voice on a music related topic in a Vox video, I know the video is going to be awesome. Great work!