When Aretha Franklin signed with Atlantic Records in 1966, the label’s legendary in-house producer Jerry Wexler gave her a simple mandate: be herself. What followed was one of the defining creative runs in popular music history, establishing her as the undisputed Queen of Soul. The singer’s rise may have appeared sudden but she had certainly paid her dues. Born March 25, 1942, Young Aretha was a powerhouse gospel vocalist in Detroit, singing in the church where her father was its minister. After signing with Columbia Records in 1960 at age 18, she spent six years recording jazz, pop and blues before her early Atlantic sessions sent her to the top of the charts in 1967.

That Columbia period is easily overshadowed by what followed at Atlantic. This first installment traces Franklin‘s remarkable ascent through 12 essential recordings, from an early glimpse of greatness to the extraordinary run that made her one of the defining voices of the late ’60s and ’70s, that was followed by a creative rebirth in the ’80s, when she was signed by Clive Davis to record for Arista.

1. “Won’t Be Long” (Aretha: With the Ray Bryant Combo, 1961)

The first charting single announced a remarkable talent still in her teens. Reaching #7 on the R&B chart, it blended gospel fervor with pop sophistication and offered an early glimpse of the commanding vocalist she would soon become. Listen to the studio version, followed by a live performance from The Steve Allen Show in 1964.

2. “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” (I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, 1967)

Recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Ala., the Atlantic debut single marked a dramatic turning point. It climbed to #1 on the R&B chart and #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving she had finally found the musical setting that matched her extraordinary voice.

3. “Respect” (I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, 1967)

Otis Redding wrote it, but this interpretation became the definitive version. Complete with the unforgettable “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” refrain and the sisters’ backing vocals, it topped both the pop and R&B charts while becoming an enduring anthem of the Civil Rights and women’s movements.

Related: Our Album Rewind of I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

4. “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” (I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, 1967)

Written by Dan Penn and Chips Moman, this Southern soul masterpiece showcased an extraordinary ability to convey strength through restraint. The emotionally rich vocal turned a plea for mutual respect into one of the era’s defining ballads.

5. “Baby I Love You” (Aretha Arrives, 1967)

Written by Ronnie Shannon, this joyous declaration became her third Top 10 pop hit of 1967. Equal parts church, rhythm and blues, and pop, it demonstrated how effortlessly a straightforward love song could be transformed into something exhilarating.

6. “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” (Lady Soul, 1968)

Penned by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, the song became inseparable from the voice that brought it to life. The emotionally rich performance elevated an already exceptional composition into one of popular music’s defining recordings. Listen to the original studio hit, then watch Aretha sing the classic at the Kennedy Center Honors.

7. “Chain of Fools” (Lady Soul, 1968)

Built around Joe South’s unforgettable guitar riff, this Don Covay composition became another R&B chart-topper. It secured the second victory in her historic streak of eight consecutive wins for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the Grammy Awards. Its simmering groove and powerhouse vocal remain irresistible.

And now a live version…

8. “(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone” (Lady Soul, 1968)

Co-written with then-husband Ted White, this upbeat soul number became another massive #1 R&B single for the singer. Its rhythm and exuberant vocals proved that sheer joy could be just as compelling as heartbreak.

9. “Think” (Aretha Now, 1968)

Co-written with Ted White, this hard-driving anthem topped the R&B chart and reached #7 on the Hot 100. Its message of independence and freedom, delivered with unwavering conviction, has never lost its impact.

10. “I Say a Little Prayer” (Aretha Now, 1968)

Originally a hit for Dionne Warwick, the Burt Bacharach-Hal David composition found an entirely different emotional center here. Recorded after an impromptu studio performance, it remains one of the finest cover versions of the rock era.

11. “Spanish Harlem” (single; included on Aretha’s Greatest Hits, 1971)

This elegant reworking of the Ben E. King-Jerry Leiber classic reached #1 on the R&B chart and #2 on the Hot 100. Highlighting her incredible musicianship, the track earned a Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance.

12. “Freeway of Love” (Who’s Zoomin’ Who?, 1985)

Clive Davis and Arista Records paired Franklin with producer Narada Michael Walden for this high-octane synth-pop smash, designed for the MTV generation. Featuring a blistering saxophone solo by Clarence Clemons, the track hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became her 20th and final number-one R&B hit.

Bonus Video: Watch Aretha sing “Respect” live in 1967

Franklin died on August 16, 2018, at age 76. Her extensive recorded legacy is available in the U.S. here, in Canada here and in the U.K. here.