Aretha Franklin Finds Her Sound | Genius: Aretha

[music playing]

That was a wonderful performance. I wish I could stay. I think I sang really well. You always sing well.

But we haven't found it yet, have we? Not for lack of trying. So let's get you back into the studio and put our heads together.

Hammond. Ted. Listen, I, uh, I wish I could linger, but I have another event. Congratulations. Glad you could make it.

On your birthday, last year, you remember what you wish for? Have you seen my father? You said you wanted to be on the Steve Allen show. And what did I say to you? I said I was going to make your dreams come true.

And now look at where we are. He made it all this way, stayed for the show, and didn't stay for the party, which means he was either still mad at me, or he thought my performance was bad. Was it?

No, baby, baby, baby, no, come on. Mr. Wexler? I'm a big fan, Aretha. Ms. Franklin. Excuse me, Miss Franklin. You know, I've launched a few careers.

Atlantic Records and me, we roll up our sleeves, and we dig deep. This contract with Columbia is almost up. What she does after that, that's her call. Columbia's had a good run. But music's changing. You got to stay ahead of it, or you're gonna get left behind.

Can I be honest? Yeah, please. Tonight, I wanted to be wowed. But I wasn't. I don't think the audience was, either.

Well, now you're just plain wrong. "Skylark" is going to be classic. I'm trying everything I can. You know I work with Ray Charles? Genius. I could do for you what I did for Ray.

I could help you find your sound. That's what I do. Now, let me ask you, what kind of music do you really want to make, Miss Franklin?

I want to make hits, Mr. Wexler. You'll get there when you realize you are Aretha Franklin, and nobody else. Pleasure. Let me freshen your drink.

[music playing]

(SINGING) How I got over. How I got over. You know my soul looks back and wonder how I got over. How I got over. How I got over. You know my soul looks back and wonder how I over.

Just as soon as I see Jesus, the man who made me free. You know, the man who bleed and suffered. You know, he died for you and me.

I wanna thank you because you brought me. I wanna thank you, Jesus, because you taught me. I wanna thank you because you kept me.

I wanna thank you, 'cause you never left me. I wanna sing. Oh, [inaudible]. My soul looks back and wonder how I got over.

How I got over. How I got over. You know, my soul looks back and wonder how I got over.

How I got over, How I got over. You know, my soul looks back and wonder how I got over.

[applause]