Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia
Episode Summary: "Say a Little Prayer Edition Part 2"
Release Date: November 29, 2024
Host: Chris Molanphy

Introduction: From Gospel Roots to Pop Megastar

In the latest episode of Hit Parade, host Chris Molanphy delves deeper into the illustrious career of Aretha Franklin, tracing her evolution from gospel singer to the unparalleled Queen of Soul. Building on the previous episode, which highlighted Franklin's transition to Atlantic Records and her rise as a dominant force in both pop and R&B, Molanphy sets the stage for exploring her ventures into gospel music and her subsequent chart successes and challenges.

Recording Amazing Grace: A Landmark in Franklin's Career

Molanphy begins by examining Franklin's ambitious project, Amazing Grace, recorded live over two nights in January 1972 at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles. Accompanied by the Southern California Community Choir and gospel legend James Cleveland, Franklin sought to blend her gospel roots with her pop sensibilities.

Chris Molanphy [04:37]: "What was subtly innovative about the sessions was how Franklin blended elements of both her gospel and pop worlds."

The sessions were directed by Sydney Pollack, who intended to create a documentary capturing the essence of the performances. However, due to a technical glitch where the audio and video were out of sync and no clapperboards were used, the documentary couldn't be released until 2018. Despite this setback, Amazing Grace was released in June 1972 to critical and commercial acclaim, described by Marvin Gaye as Franklin's "singular masterpiece." The album achieved double platinum status and remains her best-selling live gospel LP to date.

Chris Molanphy [07:12]: "Amazing Grace sold a million copies out of the box and two decades later it was recertified double platinum."

Navigating the Post-Amazing Grace Era

Following the success of Amazing Grace, Franklin faced a shifting musical landscape. While she continued to resonate strongly within the R&B sphere, her presence on the pop singles chart began to wane. Her 1973 cover of Stevie Wonder's "Until You Come Back to Me" peaked at number three on the Hot 100 and the R&B chart, marking her last top 10 pop hit for over a decade. Nevertheless, she maintained her R&B dominance with hits like "Angel" and "I'm in Love," both of which topped the soul singles chart.

Chris Molanphy [09:43]: "Even through Aretha's fallow periods, top notch songwriters continued to supply her with material."

Challenges During the Disco Revolution

As the late 1970s ushered in the disco era, Franklin struggled to adapt. Her 1979 single "Ladies Only," produced by Van McCoy, failed to make a significant impact, peaking at number 33 on the R&B chart and missing the Hot 100 entirely. The accompanying album, La Divas, was critically panned and commercially unsuccessful, signaling a disconnect between Franklin and the prevailing musical trends.

Chris Molanphy [08:27]: "La Diva turned out to be Aretha Franklin's last album on Atlantic Records."

The 1980s: A Resilient Comeback with Arista Records

The 1980s marked a pivotal resurgence in Franklin's career as she signed with Arista Records under the guidance of Clive Davis. Determined to modernize her sound, Davis facilitated collaborations with emerging talents like Luther Vandross. Together, they produced the album Jump to It, featuring the hit title track which revitalized Franklin's presence on both the R&B and pop charts.

Aretha Franklin [23:42]: "Good to go man."

Chris Molanphy [23:43]: "Really? Uh huh."

The collaboration proved fruitful, with Jump to It reaching number three on the R&B chart and number seven on the pop chart, securing Franklin's position as a contemporary pop star.

Collaborations and Continued Success in the 1980s

Following the success of Jump to It, Franklin continued her partnership with Luther Vandross, releasing Get It Right in 1983. The title track topped the R&B chart, although the album itself did not achieve the same level of commercial success. Seeking a fresh approach, Franklin teamed up with producer Michael Walden, resulting in the seminal hit "Freeway of Love" in 1985. This track not only reached number three on the Hot 100 but also earned her a spot on MTV for the first time, bridging her iconic status with the burgeoning music video era.

Chris Molanphy [22:56]: "At number 25 on the pop chart this week, here is that record breaking 18th number one soul song by the great Aretha Franklin."

In 1986, Franklin released the album Who's Zoomin' Who?, which became her first platinum album since her peak in the late 1960s. The title track achieved top 10 status on the pop charts, and Franklin's duet with George Michael, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)," soared to number one on the Hot 100, marking her first number one pop single in nearly two decades.

Aretha Franklin & George Michael [37:27]: "I knew you were waiting for me."

Venturing into the 1990s: House Music and Last Hits

In the early 1990s, Franklin explored house music, collaborating with production teams like CNC Music Factory. Her rendition of "A Deeper Love," produced by Robert Klavellis and David Cole, became a definitive house anthem, reaching the top of Billboard's Club Play chart. Additionally, her collaboration with Lauryn Hill on "A Rose Is Still a Rose" in 1998 introduced her to a new generation, merging her soulful prowess with Hill's hip-hop influence.

Chris Molanphy [48:08]: "The Brickell allusion on A Rose Is Still a Rose was so subtle, Lauryn Hill herself sang it to draw attention to it."

Despite these successes, Franklin's attempts to fully embrace contemporary genres sometimes resulted in mixed receptions. Her 1993 album What You See Is What You Sweat was a commercial flop, though singles like "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" found modest success.

Legacy and Final Years: Honors and Iconic Performances

Aretha Franklin's legacy was cemented with her induction as the first woman into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, where Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards honored her legacy. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Franklin continued to collaborate with artists across genres, bridging generational gaps and maintaining her status as a revered icon.

One of the most poignant moments in her later years occurred during the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors. While celebrating Carole King, Franklin delivered a powerful performance of "You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman," moving both the audience and President Barack Obama to tears.

Chris Molanphy [51:09]: "It was, you might say, the quintessential Aretha Franklin moment, all about the music, but also about the symbolism."

Franklin's enduring influence was recognized globally, highlighted by her performances at significant events, including President Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration, where she sang "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," embodying the spirit of American resilience and pride.

Passing and Enduring Influence

On August 16, 2018, Aretha Franklin passed away, leaving behind a monumental legacy that influenced countless artists and shaped the landscape of American music. Her homegoing service in Detroit was a testament to her profound impact, attended by thousands and honored by prominent figures across various sectors.

Franklin's ability to adapt, collaborate, and persist through changing musical tides underscores her title as the Queen of Soul. From gospel-infused pop hits to contemporary collaborations, her voice and artistry remain unparalleled, continuing to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.

Conclusion: A Timeless Icon

Hit Parade's "Say a Little Prayer Edition Part 2" offers an exhaustive exploration of Aretha Franklin's dynamic career, highlighting her triumphs, challenges, and unwavering influence in the music industry. Through insightful storytelling, Molanphy paints a vivid portrait of a legendary artist whose contributions transcended genres and generations, ensuring her rightful place in the annals of music history.

Notable Quotes:

• Aretha Franklin [04:25]: "Friend in Jesus, you got a friend, you got a friend, you got a friend in Jesus, yes you do."

• Aretha Franklin [07:12]: "We can conquer Kings forever."

• Casey Kasem [22:56]: "Here is that record breaking 18th number one soul song by the great Aretha Franklin."

• Aretha Franklin & George Michael [37:27]: "I knew you were waiting for me."

• Aretha Franklin [48:00]: "What I am is what I am you what you are oh what what I am is what I am."

• Aretha Franklin [51:00]: "Freedom."

• Aretha Franklin [56:24]: "I feel like I feel like."

Attributions:

• Host: Chris Molanphy, pop-chart analyst and author.
• Quotes: Directly from the transcript with corresponding timestamps.

By meticulously chronicling Aretha Franklin's journey, Hit Parade not only celebrates her monumental achievements but also provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of her enduring legacy in the fabric of American music.