Lady Soul

Personnel: Aretha Franklin (vocals, piano); Ralph Burns (conductor); Jimmy Johnson (guitar); Frank Wess (flute, tenor saxophone); Seldon Powell (tenor saxophone); Haywood Henry (baritone saxophone); Mel Lastie, Joe Newman, Bernie Glow (trumpet); Tony Studd (bass trombone); Spooner Oldham (piano, electric piano, organ); Warren Smith (vibraphone); Tommy Cogbill (bass); Roger Hawkins, Gene Chrisman (drums); Cissy Houston, Carolyn Franklin, Erma Franklin, Ellie Greenwich (background vocals).
Recorded at Atlantic Recording Studios, New York between February 16 and December 20, 1967.
Includes liner notes by David Nathan and original release liner notes by Jon Landau.
Aretha's Franklin's position as soul music's premier female vocalist was consolidated by this album. Her strident reading of Don Covay's 'Chain Of Fools' set the tone for a collection on which the singer unveiled several stellar original compositions and reinterpreted a batch of classic songs. Franklin's gospel roots were clearly displayed on the anthem-like 'People Get Ready' while her interpretation of 'Natural Woman' showed both vulnerable and assertive qualities. Lady Soul captures a performer at the peak of her power, restating her ability to take material and make it uniquely her own.