Aretha is the Queen of Soul! There is no debate. She is the measuring stick and has worn the crown since 1967. Unfortunately her Columbia records material is severely unappreciated. There are many jewels in her body of work that will hopefully one day recieve the critical reappraisal it deserves. This 'Skylark' is a testament to Aretha's interpretive genius. Her intuitive ability of what to do with a phrase combined with all the feeling you could hope for is a hallmark of all her best work.
Thanks for your insights on Amy Winehouse. She was a great artist and songwriter. In truth most hits are about the song which is why so many great standards are covered by great singers. I think my point was in a very racist America white singers who sing black music move further ahead of black singer thus gathering up the fame and the wealth, ie Little Richard/Elvis Presley. I agree that the most of today's singers will be forgotten because of the poorly written songs.
@rhondabenin56 I agree. The playing field isn't level because race is always the elephant in the room, even in the UK where i'm from. But I just feel Amy was the definitive artist of her generation. Think about how many 'white' singers have attempted to do R&B/Soul without much success. There is always the issue of credibility. Amy was not from the culture the gave birth to that music. She was a London girl and conveyed her own experience in her music. She was authentic and had a rare gift.
@rhondabenin56 Teena Marie was an exception in that she had the 'credibility' and was accepted in the R&B scene but never got the wider recognition her talents deserved. Motown gave her the platform, Rick James gave her 'credibility' by association, but Teena had the goods and she proved that she was the real deal. She could burn most R&B singers on her worst day. At the end of the day 'race' is always 'the elephant in the room', but sometimes talent transcends the fallacy of 'race'.
This is a wonderful version. And I love me plenty Ella too. They are different, both totally and utterly on top of the music in every way, and each a very special one off. it may be a "jazz tune"... but Aretha sure can handle it. wow.
Lord have mercy! During the 50's you couldn't go to a party where this evergreen wasn't being played. Franklin adjusts any song to her own requirements pretty much in the same manner that Ethel Waters and Dinah Washington adjusted their talents. All three artists are timeless. By the way, does anyone know whether Franklin covered another immortal, "This Is My First Affair"? Just asking.
One of my favorite Aretha ballads. I remember when it came out- I was a very young teen and I thought it was magic coming over the radio waves. What a wonderful interpretation. Dinah Shore would've been so proud and happy to hear her standard covered so beautifully!
@Noam1ma: I think you should go to Ella's video and listen to her sing it. To me that would be the most logical thing....this is for Aretha's fans....i think you missed your bus stop. Next time stay in your lane.
@READY4REVELATION of course its logical. simple is the most logical thing! I just prefer the simple in this song instead of the..... I have no word to describe it, the areatha-ish (which is also great)
@Noam1ma That is what i love about Aretha, Aretha and Ella are my two all time favorites and i love both of their versions for what they are. Aretha is Aretha and she has alway made that present in her music...she is not nor will not even try to be anyone but Aretha and that is what i love about Aretha and that is alway what i love about Ella. The two of the only have each other to keep company in the world of music...they are so high up the scale that no one can reach them.
@Noam1ma I will never put another singer abover Ella. She is too special to do that. BUT when it comes to soul music. Gospel derived Rhythm and Blues....Aretha is the Queen! She stands alone at the top of her field.
@bolder2009 okay.. I can agree.. I was talking about classic jazz which is Ella's specialty. you can hear that Aretha is not doing it as half as good ass Ella because that this is a CLASSIC jazz song
This was during the period when Aretha was being groomed as an "easy listening"/"middle of the road" singer (a la Capitol's Nancy Wilson and Roulette's Dinah Washington) by her label. They never thought of her in terms or possibilities of being a "soul singer"- nor did they WANT her to be one. It wasn't until after she left Columbia and signed with Atlantic {and paired with producer Jerry Wexler} that she was finally able to express her musical roots in gospel and "rhythm and blues"...
I think what sets Aretha apart from so many other singers is her sincerity and her delivery....i personally can feel what she is saying very deeply.....sometimes to the point where i see in my mind what she is saying....this song and the one called "With Pen In Hand" just take me on a mental trip. When you can touch others that deeply then you are truely gifted. Nobody does it better then Aretha when it comes to moving the human spirit.
My Middle school Chorus...(we are advanced) are singing this for our spring concert...and the part I am doing is hard...the peice all together is gorgeous but it takes time to learn
Certainly one of the best things Aretha ever did. Her's was the first version of "Skylark" I had ever heard. It remains (for me) the penultimate recording of the song . Just pure magic!
Aretha was so, so gifted. She is the Queen of it all. I remember mom buying the alubm dedicated to Dinah Washington I think in 1964. That's when I was introduced to Aretha before she became the Queen of Soul. This song was another played from another album and man oh man the memories. God touched this woman with a voice.
@cactusgirl1990 (from a white girl) I'm glad someone says this... Many types of music are beautiful and satisfying to sing but they will never touch my heart the way that belting out Gloomy Sunday (for ex) can. Everytime I sing something like this, I have to put all of myself into it... and use the emotions I know to make the music emulate it. I love this music because it's not just some streamlined pop...it's some else's reality....I have to respect that every time I hear it.
I love Aretha Franklin and I love the song. But this can never beat the version with Dinah Shore. I have a special place in my heart for the big band era.
I agree 100%. Winehouse is the only current singer I can think of that is on a par with the best of the past. Unfortunately her songs aren't worthy of her abilities, and that's why she's only known in the US for her drug escapades.
I might also mention Sade, who I would love to hear singing an album of standards.
@skullyj2002 Winehouse is not the only current singer on par with the past. She's the white girl who the industry wanted to become the queen of soul. Ledisi, Lizz Wright, Lalah Hathaway, Rochelle Farrell are all great singers.
@rhondabenin56 Being a huge fan of Lizz Wright, I listened to the other singers mentioned by you (I didn't know any yet) and really love the sound of Ledisi! Thank you for mentioning them. :)
@rhondabenin56 With all due respect, Amy didn't listen to Soul singers like Aretha till she was 18. Before that she was strictly into HipHop and Jazz, particularly Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington who was her favourites, and coincidently happened to be an influence on Aretha as well. However the young Amy Winehouse was more into Jazz instrumentalists like Thelonious Monk and Count Basie. Her biggest R&B/Soul influences were Ray Charles and Donny Hathaway. Also Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu.
@rhondabenin56 I'm from North London and new Amy back then before she was famous, and she was the real deal but the music she wanted to make was Jazz with HipHop elements. She studied Jazz instrumentalista and thats how she developed her singing style. Dinah Washington always remained her biggest influence. She was already making demo for her first album before she listened to Aretha and Mahalia Jackson. But she really loved Ray Charles.
@rhondabenin56 I've seen Ledisi live in London many years ago when she was largely unknown to anyone outside of the underground soul scene. It was one of the best concerts I've ever experienced. She did a cover of The Beatles 'Yesterday' that I'll never forget. I think what seperated Amy from the pack is that she was also a genius songwriter. There are many great singers that are overlooked, but so few are truely great songwriters. Amy was one of the best songwriters of her generation.
@rhondabenin56 I know the body of work of all the singers you mentioned, unfortunately they will be forgotten. They have not writen a 'Love Is A Losing Game' or a 'You Sent Me Flying'. Until songwriting steps up in R&B, most of these good singers will be forgotten. The singer who I feel is most negelected is Adriana Evans. In my humble opinion she is one of the greatest artists of the last 15 years. She has a timeless voice, and writes songs that are just as memorable. A true artist!
@cactusgirl1990 as a musician I can tell the difference between Beyonce and Aretha Franklin. I disagree, beyonce has absolutely no voice talent...she is horrible,untrained,and makes it based all upon her image.Amy Winehouse is the ONLY female singer nowdays who has a vocal talent that of the jazz,rhythm and blues,jazz singers of the 40s,50s,60s.Amy Winehouse unfortunately got into drugs,and as much beauty that is in her powerful voice, she sings songs that are written poorly.
I agree 100%. Winehouse is the only current singer I can think of that is on a par with the best of the past. Unfortunately her songs aren't worthy of her abilities, and that's why she's only known in the US for her drug escapades.
I might also mention Sade, who I would love to hear singing an album of standards.
As a professional musician, I can say you are completely wrong.
Watch Beyonce absolutely nail the American anthem live in front of the whole planet. It's here on YouTube.
You are guilty of acutism (anyone who is cute is automatically talentless).
Amy Winehouse is a superb pub singer. But nothing more than that. To suggest her rather than Beyonce as the natural successor to Aretha Franklin is laughable.
unfortunately, i wasn't around to enjoy them. But, in a way, I don't miss them because with timeless recordings such as this, they'll always be with us. thanx for listening.
@comicalk you sir,do not understand what makes a singer good.Its not only natural,its practice.Beyonce is NOT a real singer.she is an amateur with the title "famous".
@comicalk Yes, but ... seeing them in person is a thrill and a pleasure all its own. Look around -- the music industry today forces you to work hard to find anyone who has the talent of folks like Aretha, Dinah, Barbra, Frank, etc., etc. Those folks are more than just sounds on a disc.
When you speak of talent the magnitude of Aretha or Barbara Streisand there is no such thing as better than. There is only style and both these ladies have style to burn. My favorite song by Aretha is "Wholy Holy" and my fav' by Barbara is "Woman In Love".
I wish Aretha would get back to her balladeering. Not only a master, but she and others swayed pre-teens such as I was then(understand I was a hopeless James Brown and Beatlemaniac at the time). Also these Soul Masters(and their Ladies) had an uncanny ability to ressurect musty old standards from decades past(before 1960).
That's what distiguishes the older generation from this Hip-Hop crowd. Except for Laryn Hill, Alicia Keys,etc, this young crowd of declasse "samplers" can't sell it!
@Mathew1985AZ I would say that Aretha was singing garbage. Aretha has one of the best bodies of work in the industry, i really don't won't to compare her work to Sarah out of love and respect for her.
Oh, that part, 1: 57, gives me goosebumps! I love how she ends it with the "K" so hard; I see it as her calling for it to come back-- like this skylark is her lifeline or something
It's that urgency! The way her delivery becomes increasingly intense until the climactic explosion of power around 1:58...that urgency defines soul. This is an American standard, pop, and I have never heard it delivered more emotively.
I don' know about the lyrics but the music belongs to Hoagy !
raven9157 2 weeks ago
Yet another of our favourites
LebLectic 1 month ago
Divine....!!!!
erobi02 1 month ago
Aretha doing a Johnny Mercer tune.....I think I'm in heaven!
ettajames2luv 2 months ago
Aretha is the Queen of Soul! There is no debate. She is the measuring stick and has worn the crown since 1967. Unfortunately her Columbia records material is severely unappreciated. There are many jewels in her body of work that will hopefully one day recieve the critical reappraisal it deserves. This 'Skylark' is a testament to Aretha's interpretive genius. Her intuitive ability of what to do with a phrase combined with all the feeling you could hope for is a hallmark of all her best work.
bolder2009 3 months ago 4
@bolder2009
Thanks for your insights on Amy Winehouse. She was a great artist and songwriter. In truth most hits are about the song which is why so many great standards are covered by great singers. I think my point was in a very racist America white singers who sing black music move further ahead of black singer thus gathering up the fame and the wealth, ie Little Richard/Elvis Presley. I agree that the most of today's singers will be forgotten because of the poorly written songs.
rhondabenin56 3 months ago
@rhondabenin56 I agree. The playing field isn't level because race is always the elephant in the room, even in the UK where i'm from. But I just feel Amy was the definitive artist of her generation. Think about how many 'white' singers have attempted to do R&B/Soul without much success. There is always the issue of credibility. Amy was not from the culture the gave birth to that music. She was a London girl and conveyed her own experience in her music. She was authentic and had a rare gift.
bolder2009 3 months ago
@rhondabenin56 Teena Marie was an exception in that she had the 'credibility' and was accepted in the R&B scene but never got the wider recognition her talents deserved. Motown gave her the platform, Rick James gave her 'credibility' by association, but Teena had the goods and she proved that she was the real deal. She could burn most R&B singers on her worst day. At the end of the day 'race' is always 'the elephant in the room', but sometimes talent transcends the fallacy of 'race'.
bolder2009 3 months ago
try ernestine andersons version of this song.check it out. very beautiful.
mrstanfordwhite 4 months ago
Had this on an album in the seventies. This and Just for a thrill... absolutely adored them, and still do. :)
Just one lousy thing: it's too short! ;)
NovaScotiaChick 4 months ago
2:05
ss11s 5 months ago
Lovely.Only Maxine Sullivan and Beth Midler compare. TY comicalk for posting.
paulostroff99 5 months ago
This woman voice sends chills down my spine. Best female vocalist of all time..
neukertification 5 months ago in playlist YouTube Mix for Aretha Franklin
La Divina Soul
MegaGum1 5 months ago
@cactusgirl1990 Beyonce stinks and color got nuthin to do with it.
goback3spaces 5 months ago
This is a wonderful version. And I love me plenty Ella too. They are different, both totally and utterly on top of the music in every way, and each a very special one off. it may be a "jazz tune"... but Aretha sure can handle it. wow.
danmcb 6 months ago
0:50 its like honey, she did it so smoothly
JudeSantana 7 months ago
Lord have mercy! During the 50's you couldn't go to a party where this evergreen wasn't being played. Franklin adjusts any song to her own requirements pretty much in the same manner that Ethel Waters and Dinah Washington adjusted their talents. All three artists are timeless. By the way, does anyone know whether Franklin covered another immortal, "This Is My First Affair"? Just asking.
ccaammiiittoo1 7 months ago
One of my favorite Aretha ballads. I remember when it came out- I was a very young teen and I thought it was magic coming over the radio waves. What a wonderful interpretation. Dinah Shore would've been so proud and happy to hear her standard covered so beautifully!
dearcarey 7 months ago
@jazzscherzo i wasnt in them days but youtube takes me to them days.. :D sometimes i wish i was there though haha
DaLukaXD 7 months ago
@cactusgirl1990 Very well said!
Much respect!
MosaicMaiden 8 months ago in playlist Aretha Franklin
@Noam1ma: I think you should go to Ella's video and listen to her sing it. To me that would be the most logical thing....this is for Aretha's fans....i think you missed your bus stop. Next time stay in your lane.
READY4REVELATION 8 months ago
@READY4REVELATION of course its logical. simple is the most logical thing! I just prefer the simple in this song instead of the..... I have no word to describe it, the areatha-ish (which is also great)
Noam1ma 8 months ago
@Noam1ma That is what i love about Aretha, Aretha and Ella are my two all time favorites and i love both of their versions for what they are. Aretha is Aretha and she has alway made that present in her music...she is not nor will not even try to be anyone but Aretha and that is what i love about Aretha and that is alway what i love about Ella. The two of the only have each other to keep company in the world of music...they are so high up the scale that no one can reach them.
TheQueenAretha 7 months ago 2
With all the respect you can give to the amazing Aretha Franklin I think Ella Fitzgerald
is way better
Noam1ma 8 months ago
@Noam1ma I will never put another singer abover Ella. She is too special to do that. BUT when it comes to soul music. Gospel derived Rhythm and Blues....Aretha is the Queen! She stands alone at the top of her field.
bolder2009 8 months ago
@bolder2009 okay.. I can agree.. I was talking about classic jazz which is Ella's specialty. you can hear that Aretha is not doing it as half as good ass Ella because that this is a CLASSIC jazz song
Noam1ma 8 months ago
this is the most beautiful version of this song ive ever heard
WTFPhoneCalls 9 months ago
This was during the period when Aretha was being groomed as an "easy listening"/"middle of the road" singer (a la Capitol's Nancy Wilson and Roulette's Dinah Washington) by her label. They never thought of her in terms or possibilities of being a "soul singer"- nor did they WANT her to be one. It wasn't until after she left Columbia and signed with Atlantic {and paired with producer Jerry Wexler} that she was finally able to express her musical roots in gospel and "rhythm and blues"...
fromthesidelines 10 months ago
@fromthesidelines
So true! I'm so happy she left Columbia!
grandsx5 9 months ago
OMG 1:57 IS ABSOLUTLEY RIDICULOUS!!!! JESUS HELP US ALL!
minjimmierodgers 10 months ago 9
Voz es voz, no color.
Maravillosa,Areta.Gracias!
japlavi 11 months ago
Voz es voz, no color.
Maravillosa,Ella.Gracias!
japlavi 11 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
1:56 goosebumps. Damn.
metemi 1 year ago
Comment removed
metemi 1 year ago
I think what sets Aretha apart from so many other singers is her sincerity and her delivery....i personally can feel what she is saying very deeply.....sometimes to the point where i see in my mind what she is saying....this song and the one called "With Pen In Hand" just take me on a mental trip. When you can touch others that deeply then you are truely gifted. Nobody does it better then Aretha when it comes to moving the human spirit.
DaStr8Truth 1 year ago 3
@jazzscherzo well... i was born in 1990, but i miss the 50s 60s 70s 80s in the USA.... A LOT !!!
TheAmericanFreeBird 1 year ago 4
i absolutely love this song. im singing it in lessons. <3 <3
beckydance333 1 year ago
My Middle school Chorus...(we are advanced) are singing this for our spring concert...and the part I am doing is hard...the peice all together is gorgeous but it takes time to learn
animerXroxXmyXsoxX1 1 year ago
Sheer perfection. Thanks Aretha!
mtcoh 1 year ago
the video is...a bit? weird....d song is awesome though....get the complete album from downloadmusic.im
leonidaroofner27 1 year ago
Certainly one of the best things Aretha ever did. Her's was the first version of "Skylark" I had ever heard. It remains (for me) the penultimate recording of the song . Just pure magic!
dpohunter 1 year ago 2
well now.
spiritual619 1 year ago
Hammond thought she was the next Billie. Shows how you can be right and wrong at the same time.
Long live the queen.
thelonious1234 1 year ago
she looks beautiful here in all of her slenderness, lovely pic, she has the look of a lovely track star from the past, she sounds awesome here
iwritethemsongs 1 year ago
tickle them ivories girl!
2tim149 1 year ago
Fabulous!
komo40 1 year ago
Aretha was so, so gifted. She is the Queen of it all. I remember mom buying the alubm dedicated to Dinah Washington I think in 1964. That's when I was introduced to Aretha before she became the Queen of Soul. This song was another played from another album and man oh man the memories. God touched this woman with a voice.
Vincent50 1 year ago
My Mother use to sang this song. Love it
mapitts1000 1 year ago
There are still plenty of great singers around, you just have to look for them.
Souperbass 1 year ago
wow...aretha looked good back then....
usernamehere84 1 year ago
Aretha reworks these standards and the outcome is AWESOME! Amazing voice.....range....phrasing....clarity.
PrettyVillan 1 year ago
@cactusgirl1990 (from a white girl) I'm glad someone says this... Many types of music are beautiful and satisfying to sing but they will never touch my heart the way that belting out Gloomy Sunday (for ex) can. Everytime I sing something like this, I have to put all of myself into it... and use the emotions I know to make the music emulate it. I love this music because it's not just some streamlined pop...it's some else's reality....I have to respect that every time I hear it.
TheRisenAthena 1 year ago
I love Aretha Franklin and I love the song. But this can never beat the version with Dinah Shore. I have a special place in my heart for the big band era.
TheRisenAthena 1 year ago
that note at 1:56 was amazing.
uncoverbrother 1 year ago 11
Beautiful !!!!!!
Abetty34 1 year ago 2
Paloma Faith out shines out talents out acts out entertains her contemporaries, not Aretha obviously, that would be too much to ask.
JohnAndrewHall1 1 year ago
@Mathew1985AZ
I agree 100%. Winehouse is the only current singer I can think of that is on a par with the best of the past. Unfortunately her songs aren't worthy of her abilities, and that's why she's only known in the US for her drug escapades.
I might also mention Sade, who I would love to hear singing an album of standards.
skullyj2002 1 year ago
@skullyj2002 Winehouse is not the only current singer on par with the past. She's the white girl who the industry wanted to become the queen of soul. Ledisi, Lizz Wright, Lalah Hathaway, Rochelle Farrell are all great singers.
rhondabenin56 5 months ago
@rhondabenin56 Being a huge fan of Lizz Wright, I listened to the other singers mentioned by you (I didn't know any yet) and really love the sound of Ledisi! Thank you for mentioning them. :)
NovaScotiaChick 4 months ago
@rhondabenin56 With all due respect, Amy didn't listen to Soul singers like Aretha till she was 18. Before that she was strictly into HipHop and Jazz, particularly Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington who was her favourites, and coincidently happened to be an influence on Aretha as well. However the young Amy Winehouse was more into Jazz instrumentalists like Thelonious Monk and Count Basie. Her biggest R&B/Soul influences were Ray Charles and Donny Hathaway. Also Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu.
bolder2009 3 months ago
@rhondabenin56 I'm from North London and new Amy back then before she was famous, and she was the real deal but the music she wanted to make was Jazz with HipHop elements. She studied Jazz instrumentalista and thats how she developed her singing style. Dinah Washington always remained her biggest influence. She was already making demo for her first album before she listened to Aretha and Mahalia Jackson. But she really loved Ray Charles.
bolder2009 3 months ago
@rhondabenin56 I've seen Ledisi live in London many years ago when she was largely unknown to anyone outside of the underground soul scene. It was one of the best concerts I've ever experienced. She did a cover of The Beatles 'Yesterday' that I'll never forget. I think what seperated Amy from the pack is that she was also a genius songwriter. There are many great singers that are overlooked, but so few are truely great songwriters. Amy was one of the best songwriters of her generation.
bolder2009 3 months ago
Comment removed
bolder2009 3 months ago
@rhondabenin56 I know the body of work of all the singers you mentioned, unfortunately they will be forgotten. They have not writen a 'Love Is A Losing Game' or a 'You Sent Me Flying'. Until songwriting steps up in R&B, most of these good singers will be forgotten. The singer who I feel is most negelected is Adriana Evans. In my humble opinion she is one of the greatest artists of the last 15 years. She has a timeless voice, and writes songs that are just as memorable. A true artist!
bolder2009 3 months ago
@cactusgirl1990 as a musician I can tell the difference between Beyonce and Aretha Franklin. I disagree, beyonce has absolutely no voice talent...she is horrible,untrained,and makes it based all upon her image.Amy Winehouse is the ONLY female singer nowdays who has a vocal talent that of the jazz,rhythm and blues,jazz singers of the 40s,50s,60s.Amy Winehouse unfortunately got into drugs,and as much beauty that is in her powerful voice, she sings songs that are written poorly.
Mathew1985AZ 1 year ago
@Mathew1985AZ That isn't true. Beyonce whether people can admit it or not is the best of her generation.
TheQueenAretha 1 year ago
@Mathew1985AZ
I agree 100%. Winehouse is the only current singer I can think of that is on a par with the best of the past. Unfortunately her songs aren't worthy of her abilities, and that's why she's only known in the US for her drug escapades.
I might also mention Sade, who I would love to hear singing an album of standards.
skullyj2002 1 year ago
@Mathew1985AZ
As a professional musician, I can say you are completely wrong.
Watch Beyonce absolutely nail the American anthem live in front of the whole planet. It's here on YouTube.
You are guilty of acutism (anyone who is cute is automatically talentless).
Amy Winehouse is a superb pub singer. But nothing more than that. To suggest her rather than Beyonce as the natural successor to Aretha Franklin is laughable.
jazzx251 1 year ago
My lady Aretha .. you sang the longing in my heart for someone to come my way and hear my call for love in a lonely and cold city. I love you!
EmeraldKings 1 year ago
Wow. Reminds me of - Nancy Wilson - I think ? Or Dinah Washington.
InBy9OutBy5 1 year ago
Whoah! I MEAN REALLY!
mamaboccia 1 year ago
Wow... this is probably my favorite Aretha vocal. Incredible!
LittleCloserBoi 1 year ago
one of the greatest songs ever written....one of the best singers ..this is just magic
genehewitt 1 year ago 2
Oh ... this is one of my all time favorite songs by Aretha. Thanks so much for posting it!!!!!
AGibsonJ 1 year ago
0:52 wow...
twelvetonetechnique 1 year ago
@twelvetonetechnique
DDDD1980 1 year ago
Comment removed
twelvetonetechnique 1 year ago
lol im singing this as a solo in my upcoming jazz concert with my school choir!!! yay!! lol im sooo going to listen to this over and over
koolkitten83 2 years ago
unfortunately, i wasn't around to enjoy them. But, in a way, I don't miss them because with timeless recordings such as this, they'll always be with us. thanx for listening.
comicalk 2 years ago 24
@comicalk I agree with you 100%
lkrsfntc619 1 year ago
@comicalk you sir,do not understand what makes a singer good.Its not only natural,its practice.Beyonce is NOT a real singer.she is an amateur with the title "famous".
Mathew1985AZ 1 year ago
@comicalk Yes, but ... seeing them in person is a thrill and a pleasure all its own. Look around -- the music industry today forces you to work hard to find anyone who has the talent of folks like Aretha, Dinah, Barbra, Frank, etc., etc. Those folks are more than just sounds on a disc.
ICit4U07 1 year ago
Simplesmente maravilhoso. Cantado com alma
TheMigric 2 years ago
.
Beuatiful!!!
wsardin 2 years ago 2
i wish i could have grown up in a time when music such as this was common on the radio...damn soulja boy i say...DAMN YOU lol
justkidding45 2 years ago 4
Thanks for this posting
Keep Skylarks Flying
acearch5ive 2 years ago
This recording is phenomenal!! Thank you for posting it!
anangandi 2 years ago
Beautiful.....
Brodavidbrayboy 2 years ago 3
When you speak of talent the magnitude of Aretha or Barbara Streisand there is no such thing as better than. There is only style and both these ladies have style to burn. My favorite song by Aretha is "Wholy Holy" and my fav' by Barbara is "Woman In Love".
rievans57 2 years ago 4
I wish Aretha would get back to her balladeering. Not only a master, but she and others swayed pre-teens such as I was then(understand I was a hopeless James Brown and Beatlemaniac at the time). Also these Soul Masters(and their Ladies) had an uncanny ability to ressurect musty old standards from decades past(before 1960).
That's what distiguishes the older generation from this Hip-Hop crowd. Except for Laryn Hill, Alicia Keys,etc, this young crowd of declasse "samplers" can't sell it!
Atomank68 2 years ago 3
[coming from a black man] Lovely & classy reply, cactusgirl1990.
comicalk 2 years ago
(coming from a honky) and I agree with both of you....
jacydesmond 1 year ago
@jacydesmond LOL!
mujaahid123456 1 year ago
tears to my eyes
beefwrecker 2 years ago 5
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Black LADIES are always the best at ballads too. Tony Braxton, Beyonce, etc
KGBfbiSECUpolitia 2 years ago
You must have forgotten Barbra streisand..One of the best female vocalists ever.and last time I checked, Shes white.
piepaco 2 years ago 6
@piepaco Barbara Streisand also began singing alot of garbage,and as talented as she was,she never compares to Sarah Vaughans repetoire of music.
Mathew1985AZ 1 year ago
@Mathew1985AZ I would say that Aretha was singing garbage. Aretha has one of the best bodies of work in the industry, i really don't won't to compare her work to Sarah out of love and respect for her.
TheQueenAretha 1 year ago
toni braxtor? LOL. beyonce? LOL even more.
pootubeftw 2 years ago
one of my favorite songs from Ree...she really knows how to do it!
dexilef 2 years ago 2
Sing it, Ree!
Chimier 2 years ago 2
I remember reading curtis mayfield quote stating how much he liked this bersion by Areth, accounting for him wanting her for the Sparkle soundtrack
justice000777 2 years ago 2
I used to listen to this each morning before I left for school (4th grade) in New York. I was 9 years old. Been with Aretha for a ll my life.
khemetcom 3 years ago 5
I usually hear the Ella F version; I never heard this one until now. Thanks for posting. Love how she sings skylark @ 0:52
PropheticSarahNell 3 years ago 2
I love how she belts out skylark at 1:57. It seems she looked up and saw the little bird in flight and raised her voice to get his attention!
Emeless 3 years ago
Oh, that part, 1: 57, gives me goosebumps! I love how she ends it with the "K" so hard; I see it as her calling for it to come back-- like this skylark is her lifeline or something
PropheticSarahNell 3 years ago 2
Yes indeed!
Emeless 3 years ago 2
This is a great version of this song. Aretha is so beautiful in this photo. Thanks for posting. Great song..... timeless Johnny Mercer....
chantalbernard 3 years ago 5
So beautiful and soaring. The best rendition of this song I believe. Thank You.
coolspindrift 3 years ago 6
Skylark!!!!
wsardin 3 years ago 6
From the days when Aretha Franklin was a Jazz n Blues singer. By far some of her greatest recordings.
Also recommend "All Night Long", "Muddy Water" and "Blue Holiday" all from this period.
sonicanddabears 3 years ago 2
It's that urgency! The way her delivery becomes increasingly intense until the climactic explosion of power around 1:58...that urgency defines soul. This is an American standard, pop, and I have never heard it delivered more emotively.
direfranchement 3 years ago 4