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The 1960s musician who “sets the bar” for all singers and Carole King
The article highlights Carole King’s admiration for Aretha Franklin, whom King regarded as the benchmark for vocalists. It argues that Franklin’s powerful, expressive delivery transformed songs into definitive performances, making her influence particularly significant to the songwriters whose work she recorded.
A central example is ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’, written by King and Gerry Goffin with producer Jerry Wexler for Franklin in 1967. Franklin’s version became one of her signature recordings, while King later recorded the song herself; the comparison illustrates why King viewed Franklin’s singing as an exceptionally high standard.
In short
- Carole King regarded Aretha Franklin as a vocal benchmark.
- Franklin made ‘Natural Woman’ a defining soul recording.
- King’s admiration reflected Franklin’s lasting influence.
Explained simply
Aretha Franklin was an American soul and gospel singer who rose to fame in the 1960s. Known for her powerful, emotionally expressive voice, she became one of the most influential singers of her era, recording versions of songs that became definitive performances and set the standard in popular culture.
Carole King is a songwriter and musician whose work has been recorded by many artists. King wrote "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" with Gerry Goffin and producer Jerry Wexler specifically for Franklin in 1967, and Franklin's recording became one of the song's most celebrated versions. King herself later recorded the same song, a comparison that illustrates why she regards Franklin as a benchmark for vocal excellence.
The influence of Franklin's performances was particularly significant for songwriters like King. When a songwriter's composition was performed by Franklin, her distinctive vocal style would transform the song, often making her version the one listeners remembered as definitive.