by Robert Drake, Producer/Host, WXPN

One of my earliest musical memories was the voice of Aretha Franklin. The soundtrack to my third birthday was Franklin’s LP “Soul Sister” which was out that year. Even at that young age, I remember that record as my parents played it constantly – and, as with each new release from Aretha, my childhood years were filled with the very soulful soundtrack of her music. She has constantly been an influence in my life – and all it takes to wash away the stress of the day, is to hit play on any of my Aretha discs. Thanks to YouTube – these are just some of my favorite Aretha moments caught on tape… she truly is the Queen!

A classic clip of Soul In Action:

The making of “Ain’t No Way’ with her incredibly-talented sister, the late Carolyn Franklin:

…and to think, she can’t read music – if only I couldn’t read music this good!

Finally, from one of my all-time favorite albums, Aretha Franklin’s “Amazing Grace” with James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir (a sample)