2009 release that contains songs that influenced and inspired the 'Greatest Singer of All Time' (Rolling Stone). Her fans will be familiar with the songs on this collection, but maybe not these versions. Spanning the years 1948-1972, highlights include 'Try a Little Tenderness' by the influential Little Miss Cornshucks, 'Drown in My Own Tears' by Aretha's hero Ray Charles, Helen Humes' original of 'Today I Sing the Blues' and 'Sit Down And Cry' by unsung Soul heroine Jean Wells. Comprising originals of songs made famous by the "Queen of Soul" during her first two decades as a recording artist, or in some cases the versions she grew up loving, the two-dozen R&B, Soul and Gospel recordings here, many of them performed by her favorite artists, helped influence and inspire Aretha to become the great singer she is. Ace.
10 Today I Sing the Blues - Helen Humes with Buck Clayton's Orchestra
11 My Song - Johnny Ace with the Beale Streeters
12 Try a Little Tenderness - Little Miss Cornshucks
13 I'm Wanderin' - Jackie Wilson
14 The River's Invitation - Percy Mayfield
15 Drown in My Own Tears - Ray Charles
16 The Dark End of the Street - James Carr
17 Prove It - Mary Wheeler
18 I'm in Love - Wilson Pickett
19 Eight Days on the Road - Howard Tate
20 To Be Young, Gifted and Black - Nina Simone
21 Let Me in Your Life - Bill Withers
22 That's the Way I Feel About Cha - Bobby Womack
23 I Say a Little Prayer - Dionne Warwick
24 The Day Is Passed and Gone - Clara Ward
2009 release that contains songs that influenced and inspired the 'Greatest Singer of All Time' (Rolling Stone). Her fans will be familiar with the songs on this collection, but maybe not these versions. Spanning the years 1948-1972, highlights include 'Try a Little Tenderness' by the influential Little Miss Cornshucks, 'Drown in My Own Tears' by Aretha's hero Ray Charles, Helen Humes' original of 'Today I Sing the Blues' and 'Sit Down And Cry' by unsung Soul heroine Jean Wells. Comprising originals of songs made famous by the "Queen of Soul" during her first two decades as a recording artist, or in some cases the versions she grew up loving, the two-dozen R&B, Soul and Gospel recordings here, many of them performed by her favorite artists, helped influence and inspire Aretha to become the great singer she is. Ace.