Respect

The Queen of Soul in Atlantic Studios, 1967

No discussion of cover tunes can be complete without involving a few "Kover Klassics". My recent post on Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog" was one. Aretha Franklin's barn-burning version of "Respect" is certainly another.

"Respect" was written and originally released by Stax recording artist Otis Redding in 1965. The song became a 1967 hit and signature song for R&B singer Aretha Franklin, who recorded for Atlantic. The music in the two versions is significantly different and, through a few minor changes in the lyrics, the stories told by the songs have a completely different flavor.

OTIS! My MAN!!

Redding's version is a plea from a desperate man, who will give his woman anything she wants. He won't care if she does do him wrong, as long as he gets his due respect when he comes home. However, Franklin's version is a declaration from a strong, confident woman, who knows that she has everything her man wants. She never does him wrong and demands his respect. Aretha's brassy cover was also a landmark for the feminist movement, as such a strong stance was uncommon in the popular music of the day.

Besides the lyrical differences, I feel there is a telling distinction in the groove of each version. Redding's recording is in solid quarter beats, emphasizing his insistence on the respect he wants. But Aretha's take, thanks to the mighty Muscle Shoals rhythm section, has a lot more sass and swagger and that feel lends itself well to a female point of view.

A stone classic. Go buy it NOW.

The song was included on Redding's third studio album, "Otis Blue". Otis was supported on these recordings by Memphis soul greats, Booker T. & The MG's. The album became widely successful, even outside of his largely R&B and blues fan base. The inspiration for the song had come when, in response to Redding's complaints after a hard tour, MG's drummer Al Jackson reportedly said, "What are you griping about? You're on the road all the time. All you can look for is a little respect when you come home.". At the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival in the summer following the release of Aretha's version, he was quoted playfully describing "Respect" as the song "that little girl done stole from me".

Despite being overshadowed, Redding's version is still considered a soul classic and highly regarded by fans of Stax/Volt and southern soul recordings.

Ok, enough talk. Here's Otis Redding's original version of "Respect".

...and here's Aretha Franklin in her prime. The backing vocals make such a huge difference!

There are more good Aretha and Otis collections available at Amazon than is reasonable. Here's two excellent single disc collections. Your library & your ears need this music.

The Very Best of Aretha Franklin - The 60's

The Very Best of Otis Redding