Respect (song)

Respect (song) is a iconic song written by Otis Redding and made famous by Aretha Franklin, known as the Queen of Soul, who recorded it with the help of The Memphis Boys and Tom Dowd. The song was produced by Jerry Wexler and Arif Mardin and released on Atlantic Records, a label founded by Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson. Aretha Franklin's version of the song was a huge success, topping the charts on Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Hot R&B Songs, and winning her two Grammy Awards at the 10th Annual Grammy Awards, presented by National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

Background

The original version of the song was written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965, with the help of Steve Cropper and Duck Dunn, for his album Otis Blue/Otis Sings Soul. However, it was Aretha Franklin's version that became a huge hit, with the help of her husband Ted White and her sister Erma Franklin. The song was recorded at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, with the help of Rick Hall and The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, which included Barry Beckett, Roger Hawkins, and David Hood. The song's success can be attributed to the work of Jerry Wexler, who produced the song, and Tom Dowd, who engineered it, both of whom worked with Atlantic Records and had previously worked with artists such as Ray Charles and Sam Cooke.

Composition

The song's composition is a mix of Soul music and Rhythm and blues, with a strong emphasis on Aretha Franklin's powerful vocals and the The Memphis Boys' instrumentation, which included Spooner Oldham on keyboards and Gene Chrisman on drums. The song's lyrics, written by Otis Redding, were inspired by his own experiences and relationships, including his marriage to Zelma Redding. The song's melody and harmony were influenced by the work of Sam Cooke and Ray Charles, who were both major influences on Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding. The song's arrangement was done by Arif Mardin, who had previously worked with artists such as Dusty Springfield and The Drifters.

Release

The song was released in April 1967 on Atlantic Records, as a single from Aretha Franklin's album I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, which was produced by Jerry Wexler and Arif Mardin. The song was a huge commercial success, topping the charts on Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Hot R&B Songs, and winning two Grammy Awards at the 10th Annual Grammy Awards. The song's success helped establish Aretha Franklin as a major star, and she went on to release many more successful albums, including Lady Soul and Aretha Now, which featured songs such as Think and I Say a Little Prayer. The song's release was also influenced by the work of Clive Davis, who was the president of Columbia Records at the time, and had previously worked with artists such as Janis Joplin and Blood, Sweat & Tears.

Reception

The song received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising Aretha Franklin's powerful vocals and the song's catchy melody and lyrics. The song was praised by critics such as Robert Christgau and Greil Marcus, who wrote for publications such as The Village Voice and Rolling Stone. The song's success also helped establish Aretha Franklin as a major star, and she went on to perform at many famous venues, including Madison Square Garden and The Fillmore. The song's influence can be heard in the work of many other artists, including Janis Joplin, Tina Turner, and Etta James, who all cited Aretha Franklin as a major influence.

Legacy

The song's legacy is immense, with many considering it one of the greatest songs of all time. The song has been covered by many artists, including Diana Ross and The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and John Lennon, and has been featured in many films and television shows, including The Blues Brothers and Forrest Gump. The song's influence can be heard in many genres of music, including Rock music, Pop music, and Hip hop music, and it continues to be a popular choice for sampling and interpolation. The song's legacy is also a testament to the work of Jerry Wexler and Arif Mardin, who produced and arranged the song, and helped establish Aretha Franklin as a major star.

Covers and parodies

The song has been covered by many artists, including Diana Ross and The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and John Lennon, who all put their own unique spin on the song. The song has also been parodied by many comedians and satirists, including Weird Al Yankovic and Frank Zappa, who used the song's melody and lyrics to comment on contemporary issues. The song's influence can be heard in many genres of music, including Rock music, Pop music, and Hip hop music, and it continues to be a popular choice for sampling and interpolation. The song's covers and parodies are a testament to its enduring legacy and influence, and it remains one of the most iconic and beloved songs of all time, with a lasting impact on the music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Michael Jackson.