Classic Album Revisited

Young, Gifted and Black is considered to be one of Aretha's finest works. This is the album that includes hit songs "Rock Steady" and "Day Dreaming." A gut wrenching version of Otis Redding's "I've Been Loving You Too Long" and a breathtaking reading of "Oh Me Oh My (I'm A Fool For You Baby)" are included on the album. Aretha also recorded songs composed by Nina Simone, The Beatles, Elton John, and Gamble and Huff. Renowned journalist and music editor A. Scott Galloway commented "by 1972 it was commonplace for most people to be rendered humble before the musical gifts of Aretha......the two albums that year, Young Gifted and Black, and Amazing Grace, she crystallized the strength and beauty of black womanhood........I believe that somewhere between the earth bound reverence of Young, Gifted and Black and the heaven-bound humility of Amazing Grace, my people promoted Aretha Franklin from 'Lady Soul' to 'Queen of Soul.' "