Rock! Steady! Rock! Steady!
When I think of Aretha Franklin, I don’t think of funk. Not even a little bit. I think, “Queen of Soul.” I think, best female R&B vocalist of all-time. But not funk, not Aretha. No way.
But.
She wrote this.
I’ll say it again.
SHE WROTE THIS.
What it is….it’s a funky and lowdown feeling…true. But what it really is is the funkiest three minutes and change Aretha Franklin ever committed to tape.
It ain’t long enough. Oh, I’ve heard remixes and alternate versions that stretch the song out a bit, but this version right here, the hit version—just ain’t long enough. But it packs a whole lot of punch in those three-plus minutes.
I’ve read where that is session drummer extraordinaire Bernard “Pretty” Purdie on the drums. If so, that’s one heck of a breakdown those drums are putting down. I’ve also heard and read that Donny Hathaway, aka Lalah’s dad, aka the late great Donny Hathaway, is on the organ and did arrange this song. Not too long before this, Hathaway had started his own solo career. And whoever that is on the bass—Chuck Rainey, Robert “Pops” Popwell or whoever—they are keeping that groove rolling. Throw in Aretha’s sisters Carolyn and Erma on the background vocals, the Memphis Horns and of course that golden voice of Aretha’s…blend all that and more together and you got funk.
I can’t think of too many other songs Aretha Franklin ever released that groove as hard as this does. Like I said, I’m thinking “Queen of Soul.” But for this one song, she was a queen of funk. If you’ve never heard it, get some of this in your life. If you have heard it, thrill to it all over again. I know I will!
“Rock Steady” is the Funky Friday jam for the week. Enjoy it, embrace it, be funkified by it! Thanks for reading and listening, and I hope you have a great weekend!
Definitely funky! Sing it, Aretha! A bright spot in my really rainy week. Thanks, T Wayne. 🙂
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Ah, Joan…thanks! Glad you liked it…maybe you sang along with her! 🙂
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Love me some Ms Aretha. 😃
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She’s one of the all-time greats, for sure! I haven’t featured many of her songs, though…this I think makes only the second one. It definitely won’t be the last.
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I’ve heard she’s extremely difficult to work with, and has stepped on many toes throughout her career. But as a fan? She’s a legend. One of my faves! 😃
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Wouldn’t surprise me a bit to hear she has “diva-like” tendencies. Probably adds to her legendary status, even if it doesn’t win her any popularity contests among the people she’s worked with.
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I’ve even read rumblings about her stealing others’ material. Personally, I don’t care. I’d probably rather hear her sing it anyway! She’s not the Queen for nothing. 😃
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Yes sir!
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Right on Tracy – definitely a very Funky song for a Friday. But I must tell you that I also thoroughly enjoyed the funky style of your writing. I’m “funkified” 😀 Have a great weekend too Tracy!
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Thank you Chevy! I was trying something different; it reminds me a little of how our mutual friend Lady G writes, though I wasn’t necessarily trying to copy her style.
You have a great weekend too!
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😀
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Did you think them Memphis horns was gonna just sit there and chill? BAYBEEEEE!
Did they DO it?
Oh yes they did!!!!
This track was funk straight outta the gate!
Aretha showed us ALL that she could get just as funky as the next one.
YAAASSS! I am LOVING Funky Friday Twin!
I AM!
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Hey! Yes they DID that!
So glad…so so glad you are loving Funky Friday! Let’s see if I can keep the funky goodness up!
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My Twin is the Funkmaster Extraordinaire so it ain’t no question that you can keep that goodness up!
Go forth in Funk!
YAAASSS!
🙂
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🙂
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