Find out what it means to me: In this very fraught month, my new Hit Parade episode is all about the natural woman, the legend, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Sure, she had that regal title. But Franklin didn’t just want to be worshipped—she wanted hits. And she got them, on her terms. In the ’60s, when showtunes and standards didn’t work, Aretha switched to gritty R&B and gospel harmonies—and started topping the charts. In the ’70s, when she recorded a live album in a church, it became her all-time bestseller. In the ’80s, when the MTV era changed the game, she did New Wave synthpop her way and scaled the charts again. In the ’90s, she tried house, hip-hop and New Jack Swing, scoring hits deep into her fifties. How did Franklin become a Queen, one hit at a time? In these dark times, if you need some life-giving soul and maybe a little prayer, join me as I explain how Aretha became an icon with self-respect, amazing grace and a deeper love. ????????? LINK: https://lnkd.in/eUZTK5rV
If you haven't listened to one of Chris' podcasts, you've missed a treat. Well-researched and delivered, they're full of facts and insights that make them memorable as well as entertaining. Great stuff Mr. Molanphy and your team.
Chart columnist, pop critic – host of Hit Parade podcast, writer of "Why Is This Song No. 1?"
3 个月Thanks to Hit Parade listeners who’ve been enjoying and sending kind words about our most recent episode on the genius of Aretha Franklin. For those who’ve been asking, our accompanying Spotify playlist is now live—find it on the Slate show page for the episode, or right here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4FfRIumxmjgs0bX3wn0pOZ?go=1&sp_cid=261cea501f3f7797bb41d3bc31549a7c