Aretha Franklin's Respect: The Journey Of A Black Woman

Music travels in time by making a lasting impression, changing the world we live in, and reflecting on our past. Immediately, one is transported back in time when listening to, Respect, by Aretha Franklin, a song that was released over 48 years ago, in 1967. The song was featured on Franklin’s, I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, Album. I first encountered this song through my father’s love of music. Hearing the lyrics I could not help but feel more powerful as a female. The song made me think about the struggle Aretha must have gone through as a black woman in a time when there were not many black female artists, and women were not treated as equals. This reminded me of the sacrifices made by women such as Aretha and put into perspective how far women have come. During, Respect, Aretha’s voice expresses power, which elevates the impact of the song and coordinates with the strong rhythmic composition.

Although Respect was written by Otis Redding, the song was recorded by Aretha on February 14 1967, resulting in Aretha’s first number one hit.

Some critics say this is the moment Aretha was established as, “The Queen of Soul.” Prior to the songs release, African-Americans were going through many societal changes such as creating the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950’s- 1960’s. Due to the timing of the song’s release Respect became much more than a catchy R&B tune, it developed into a powerful political statement, for African-Americans. As referenced in, The Sound Of Soul, published in 1969 music critic, Phyl Garland referred to the song as, “the new black national anthem.” In the same manner women were also struggling to receive equal rights. After the release of Respect, females became empowered to change the way many of them were viewed by society. This song is considered a landmark for the feminist movement, some critics have even called the song one of the best songs of the R&B

era.
Furthermore Franklin’s song did not just impact society, Respect also made a contribution to the music industry. It rose to the top of the charts spending eight weeks on the Billboard Black Singles chart, and two weeks on the Billboard Pop Singles chart. In addition Aretha’s version of Respect won 2 Grammy Awards in 1968 for, “Best Rhythm & Blues Solo Vocal Performance, Female” and, “ Best Rhythm and Blues Recording.” Consistent with the songs success, Respect was also mentioned in Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Songs as number five. Aretha Franklin’s Respect, has made a significant contribution to the Rhythm & Blues genre, and continues to influence other artists of all genres like Mary J.Blige and Alicia Keys. This song has lasted the test of time and is still covered today in movies and television, such as Forrest Gump, Airplane and Back to School. Aretha was once asked, “Why the song is so successful?” and she responded, “Everyone wants to be respected.” As a result, this song has made an impact culturally by giving a voice to people much louder than their own and creating a platform for them to stand on. This song is significant because of its effect on so many lives, and the effect that will continue to be made in the future.
In conclusion, Respect, by Aretha Franklin was very impactful and significant because it triggered a reaction within people. Not only did this song spark societal changes, it gave a voice to women’s fight for equality, and changed the music industry primarily in the Rhythm & Blues genre. Music that makes you think is the most powerful music of all and, Respect, by Aretha Franklin proves this.