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Aretha Franklin's 'Respect' Celebrates 40th Birthday

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Listen: Aretha Franklin Sings 'Respect'

It has been 40 years since Aretha Franklin's rendition of Respect first topped the charts in June, 1967. The song was adopted as an anthem by the civil rights and feminist movements, and it has been featured in dozens of movies and television shows. Four decades later, the song is still a hit.

Kelley Carter, music writer, Detroit Free Press, author of "40 Years of 'Respect': Sassy song becomes anthem for an era"

Charlie Chalmers, played saxophone on Aretha Franklin's recording of Respect

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Aretha Franklin

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Aretha's Best

by Aretha Franklin

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  • Album: Aretha's Best
  • Artist: Aretha Franklin
  • Label: Rhino
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