Episode 149: “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
00:00
New Battle Church - The Musical Director James Cleveland
The church's musical director was James Cleveland, one of the most important gospel artists of the 50s and 60s. He started out in the choir run by Thomas Dorsey, the writer of Take My Hand Precious Lord and Peace in the Valley. Other than Clava Ward, he was probably the single biggest musical influence on a Retha. Sam Cook first appeared there with the highway QC's, and would continue to do so after joining the soul service.
Transcript
Play full episode
