Aretha Franklin Lady Soul CD

Includes liner notes by David Nathan and original release liner notes by Jon Landau.

Aretha's Franklin's position as soul music's premier female vocalist was consolidated by this album. Her strident reading of Don Covay's 'Chain Of Fools' set the tone for a collection on which the singer unveiled several stellar original compositions and reinterpreted a batch of classic songs. Franklin's gospel roots were clearly displayed on the anthem-like 'People Get Ready' while her interpretation of 'Natural Woman' showed both vulnerable and assertive qualities. Lady Soul captures a performer at the peak of her power, restating her ability to take material and make it uniquely her own.

Boasting both 'Chain Of Fools' and '(You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman,' this 1968 tour de force is one of the absolute pinnacles of the Queen's incredible artistic legacy. Remastered to perfection with all new liner notes plus 4 bonus tracks, 'Chain Of Fools' (Unedited Version), '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman' (Mono Single Version), 'Since You've Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby)' (Mono Single Version) & 'Ain't No Way' (Mono Single Version). 14 tracks in all. Rhino. 2003.

Recorded at Atlantic Recording Studios, New York between February 16 and December 20, 1967.

Personnel: Aretha Franklin (vocals, piano); Carolyn Franklin (vocals, background vocals); Cissy Houston (vocals); Jimmy Johnson , Eric Clapton, Joe South, Bobby Womack (guitar); Seldon Powell (flute, tenor saxophone, horns); Frank Wess (flute, tenor saxophone, wind); King Curtis (saxophone, tenor saxophone); Haywood Henry (saxophone, baritone saxophone); Joe Newman , Bernie Glow, Melvin Lastie (trumpet); Tony Studd (trombone, bass trombone); Spooner Oldham (electric piano, keyboards); Warren Smith (vibraphone, background vocals); Gene Chrisman, Roger Hawkins (drums); Ellie Greenwich, Erma Franklin, The Sweet Inspirations (background vocals).

Recording information: Atlantic Recording Studios, New York, NY.

Personnel: Aretha Franklin (vocals, piano); Ralph Burns (conductor); Jimmy Johnson (guitar); Frank Wess (flute, tenor saxophone); Seldon Powell (tenor saxophone); Haywood Henry (baritone saxophone); Mel Lastie, Joe Newman, Bernie Glow (trumpet); Tony Studd (bass trombone); Spooner Oldham (piano, electric piano, organ); Warren Smith (vibraphone); Tommy Cogbill (bass); Roger Hawkins, Gene Chrisman (drums); Cissy Houston, Carolyn Franklin, Erma Franklin, Ellie Greenwich (background vocals).

Rolling Stone (12/11/03, p.116) - Ranked #84 in Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums Of All Time" - "...Another classic..."
Q (p.120) - "[A] revelation, as producer Jerry Wexler guided her towards an inspired fusion of gospel, blues and R&B."
Q (5/00, p.135) - Included in Q Magazine's "Best Soul Albums Of All Time"
Q (7/93, p.106) - 5 Stars - Indispensable - "...arguably Aretha's all-time great...her closing sequence of Thank-the-Lord hollerings would transport a trainload of atheists to Heaven's gate..."
Vibe (12/99, p.158) - Included in Vibe's 100 Essential Albums of the 20th Century