Aretha's Greatest Hits

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Aretha Franklin’s 1985 album <i>Who’s Zoomin’ Who?</i> had reenergized the Queen of Soul’s commercial career, giving her a massive MTV and radio hit—the inescapable “Freeway of Love”—as well as a Grammy. For her follow-up effort, Franklin reunited with <i>Zoomin’</i> producer Narada Michael Walden, and steered her sound even harder toward the Top 40. The resulting album, 1986’s <i>Aretha</i>, would become her second smash in a row—and yield one of the biggest songs of her later-era career: “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” her duet with George Michael. The collaboration had come together thanks to Arista Records head Clive Davi, who knew Michael had just left Wham!, and decided to connect the now-solo heartthrob with Franklin. Michael had a deep reverence for soul music, and was thrilled for the opportunity to sing with Franklin, flying to Detroit to record with her. They also made a flashy video for the song—a move Franklin embraced. Unlike some artists who’d shot to fame in the 1960, Franklin was savvy enough to understand that she needed a presence on MTV to remain relevant (and beside, she enjoyed the costuming and performance). A big-hook team-up that spotlighted both singers’ power, “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” would hit No. 1 in the US and the UK—and earn Franklin another Grammy. .

via Apple Music

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