Rock Steady: The Aretha Franklin Sheet Music Collection

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

Aretha Franklin is one of the most celebrated singers of all time, and her hits have transcended generations. Now, fans can enjoy her music in a new way with the release of the Rock Steady: The Aretha Franklin Sheet Music Collection.

This collection features over 40 of Franklin’s most iconic songs, including “Respect,” “Natural Woman,” and “Think.” Each song is arranged for piano, vocal, and guitar, so that everyone can enjoy playing and singing along

The Queen of Soul

Aretha Franklin was an American singer, songwriter and pianist who passed away on August 16, 2018. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee and raised in Buffalo, New York. Franklin began her career singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan where her father C. L. Franklin was minister. In 1960, she signed with Columbia Records and released her debut album Songs of Faith which included the hit single “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”.

Franklin achieved commercial success with her 1967 album I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You which included the hit single “Respect”. She went on to release a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums such as Lady Soul (1968), Spirit in the Dark (1970), Amazing Grace (1972), Young, Gifted and Black (1972), Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of the Sky) (1973)
throughout the 1970s. In 1980, she signed with Arista Records and released her album Aretha which included the hit single “Jump To It”.

Franklin continued to release albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s such as Who’s Zoomin’ Who? (1985), One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism (1987), Through The Storm (1989), A Rose Is Still A Rose (1998). In 2005, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then President George W. Bush.

Franklin’s final album Amazing Grace was released posthumously in 2019.

The Making of an Icon

In celebration of what would have been the Queen of Soul’s 80th birthday, we’re taking a look back at her incredible life and career. From her humble beginnings in a Baptist church in Detroit, to her international fame as a multi-platinum recording artist, Aretha Franklin was a force to be reckoned with. She was a master of improvisation, and her unique style of gospel-infused soul music captivated audiences around the world.

As a child, Aretha showed prodigious talent on the piano, and she began playing gospel songs at her father’s church when she was just 10 years old. By the time she was a teenager, she was already an accomplished singer and pianist, and she soon began touring with her father’s ministry. In 1960, she signed her first record deal with Columbia Records, and released her debut album “Songs of Faith” the following year.

Although Aretha achieved moderate success with her early albums, it wasn’t until 1967 that she truly broke into the mainstream with the release of “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)”. The album rocketed to #1 on the Billboard R&B charts, and the title track became Aretha’s first #1 pop hit. She followed up this success with a string of hits including “Respect”, “Natural Woman”, and “Think”.

Aretha continued to enjoy success throughout the 1970s and 1980s, releasing more than 20 albums and winning 18 Grammy Awards. In 1987, she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, becoming the first female artist to be honored. She continued to perform and record until her death in 2018.

Aretha Franklin left an indelible mark on American music, and her influence can still be felt today. For generations of fans, she will always be the Queen of Soul.

The Lady Behind the Legend

Aretha Franklin is one of the most legendary and influential singers of all time. Her unique style and powerful voice have inspired generations of musicians, and her music has been covered by artists across all genres. Now, for the first time ever, you can own a collection of Aretha Franklin’s greatest hits in sheet music form.

This collection of 23 hits includes classics like “Respect,” “Natural Woman,” and “Think,” as well as more recent hits like “Ain’t Nobody” and “I Say a Little Prayer.” Each song is meticulously transcribed from Aretha’s original recordings, so you can bring her legendary sound to your own performances.

With this collection, you can own a piece of music history and learn to play some of the most iconic songs ever recorded. So don’t wait – order your copy today!

The Music that Made Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin’s incredible voice has inspired musicians for generations. This collection of sheet music features some of her most iconic songs, including “Respect,” “Natural Woman,” and “Ain’t No Way.” These arrangements are perfect for any singer looking to celebrate the Queen of Soul.

The Aretha Franklin Sheet Music Collection

The Aretha Franklin Sheet Music Collection consists of 484 items, including 182 published titles and 302 manuscripts. The manuscripts include many alternate lyrics, some in Aretha’s handwriting. Highlights of the collection include the original manuscript for “Rock Steady” with handwritten lyrics by Aretha herself, an early manuscript for “Respect” with different opening lines, and the only known copy of the sheet music for “Sweet Bitter Love.”

The Gospel Roots of Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin was a gifted musician who was able to cross genres and appeal to a wide range of audiences. Though she is best known for her soul and R&B hits, Franklin started her career singing gospel music in her father’s church. This early exposure to gospel music had a profound impact on Franklin, and she would go on to incorporate elements of gospel into her own music.

The Rock Steady: The Aretha Franklin Sheet Music Collection includes some of Franklin’s most popular gospel songs, such as “Amazing Grace” and “Oh, How I Love Jesus.” These songs showcase the soulful power of Franklin’s voice and the deep emotional impact that her music could have. For anyone interested in Aretha Franklin’s musical journey, this collection is a must-have.

The Queen of R&B

As the undisputed “Queen of R&B,” Aretha Franklin’s powerful voice and outstanding songwriting have earned her the title of the greatest singer of all time. With classics like “Respect,” “Natural Woman,” and “I Say a Little Prayer,” Franklin has inspired generations of singers with her unique style and possess a repertoire that is second to none.

The Rock Steady: The Aretha Franklin Sheet Music Collection features transcriptions of 24 of her best-known hits. The arrangements are for Piano/Vocal/Guitar and are intermediate level.

The Soul of a Nation

When most people think of Aretha Franklin, they think of her incredible voice and her legendary performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. But what many don’t know is that Aretha was also an accomplished pianist, and she wrote many of her own songs. In fact, her sheet music collection is one of the most extensive and important in the world.

The Rock Steady: The Aretha Franklin Sheet Music Collection is a comprehensive collection of more than 500 pieces of sheet music spanning Aretha’s entire career. This collection includes all of her hits, from “Respect” and “Chain of Fools” to “Spanish Harlem” and “Rock Steady.” It also includes more than 100 previously unreleased recordings, making it the most complete collection of Aretha’s music ever assembled.

This collection is more than just a compilation of great songs; it’s a trove of American history. Aretha’s music transcends genres and generations, and it played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. This collection captures the soul of a nation in turmoil, and the hope that comes with resilience and defiance.

The Lasting Legacy of Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin was a national treasure and one of the most influential singers of our time. She was known for her soulful and powerful voice, which earned her the title “Queen of Soul.” Franklin had a wide range of vocal abilities, which is evident in her prolific recording career. In addition to her many hits, Franklin also recorded several gospel albums and earned a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance for Amazing Grace in 1972.

Franklin’s enduring popularity is due in part to her willingness to cross genres. She had success with pop, R&B, soul, gospel, and blues. Her ability to connect with so many different types of people is what made her one of the most respected and loved entertainers of her generation.

Franklin’s legacy extends beyond her music. She was an advocate for social justice and used her platform to speak out against racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. She was a fierce supporter of the Civil Rights Movement and famously Perform at the March on Washington in 1963.

Aretha Franklin’s impact on music, society, and culture is immeasurable. She will be remembered as one of the greatest singers of all time.

The Queen of Hearts

As the undisputed “Queen of Soul” for more than five decades, Aretha Franklin has inspired generations of singers with her transcendent vocal style and unparalleled ability to infuse any song with emotion. This collection gathers together more than 150 of her greatest hits, including “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Respect,” and “Chain of Fools.” It also features an introduction by renowned music critic David Ritz.

Similar Posts