The History of A Passion IX: Aretha Franklin

                           

               ...god is tryin' to tell you somethin'...
 
                                                        
                                                          Q. Jones


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     Where does one begin in an analysis of a domineering talent? Perhaps with the individual's roots, their origin, their enigmatic essence? Well, in such a case we will start there with the inheritance of a gift, a role in the grand scheme of the almighty. Behold, the Queen of Soul...

     Aretha Franklin, dubbed the Q.O.S. as and is still most deserved, began her career out of Detroit. Known as Motown for its factories of automobiles and superstars. 1967 was the year that unleashed this vocal volcano across the planet with hits like, "Respect, and "Think." She was without a doubt a voice that k.o.'ed all popular contention. 

     Even if her prolific future would encapsulate Top 40 radio, musicologists and purists of all musical likes and dislikes had little to no choice in the matter that Franklin although cast into a mold of "Pop" harnessed a spiritual dominance that I believe any human capable, but few, few can achieve with such controlled finesse.

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     I think it was my brother who gave me the Aretha Franklin cd box set. At first I was a bit indifferent, but after opening it up and actually devoting some time to listening obviously I was hooked. This lady can master any genre. Spiritual, gospel, rock-n-roll, pop, blues, etc....and now in 2013 seems to be winding down, but with awards and honors from the young and the old. Seriously, with many, many Grammies under her belt and is a member of every Hall of Fame that exists for music. Her music is very dear to me and definitely in my Top 10 Favorite Female Vocalists.


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     From the perspective of someone who cherishes the gift of a natural born vocalist...and has had no choice in devoting conscious and subconscious time to studying and mastering the craft of "learning how to sing from scratch" that I can truly say that Franklin upholds a standard that is very high, perhaps the highest...however, critical for anyone, anyone who wishes to be able to sing. Aretha has this particular delivery that singles her out from the rest of the pack. It is this calm, cool, and collected disposition as if when she is singing she is at total peace with her body and voice. I say this because I know from experience that one's body can actually hinder your vocal abilities. If you are nervous or under any form of strain mentally or physically it will affect your throat. Franklin never really allowed any such stress to interfere with her singing. Until now. She is older obviously and her weight is an issue. In her prime you could say she was like a machine...something with so much tireless power. But folks, that is where the beauty is...in and of itself...because she is not a machine...and in my world...always a divine force.
Praises.


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Technicalities:

Style:  Explosive

Vocal Range:  Low register(G2-E3)
                      Chest(C5-D6)
                       Head Voice(A5-E6)

Projection:   ....if the globe had corners...

Notable Tracks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRWSOSeuO4w 


 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzRA9UzuU8c


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3zBYPzDd-Q