When Natalie Cole took soul circles by storm, the first wave of praise compared her so highly as to the incumbent and eternal Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Natalie's image, performances, and song library were modeled after Aretha's own though slightly more "fresh". Even the songs from Natalie's debut were once offered to Aretha to perform. She turned them down except "You".
Aretha was the daughter of a Reverend C. L. Franklin and gospel singer and pianist Barbara Franklin. Through the church, Aretha got the opportunity to perform gospel standards for her father by the age of 10. When she turned 14, the reverend took her on the road and by 16, she had a record deal with J.V.B. Records. Her first album Songs of Faith released in 1956 and collected a series of gospel standards. The record made cheaply with poor recording standards but Aretha's powerful voice soars to some truly chilling moments, accented by the reactions of a moved congregation.
Here is the discography surrounding Aretha Franklin's debut album:
Never Grow Old (1956 single)
Songs of Faith
Precious Lord (1959 single)
"Yield Not to Temptation" by Aretha Franklin
Pass the Headphones!!
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