Respect

song by Redding

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July 19, 2026

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The song "Respect" was originally written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965. Redding was a prominent soul singer-songwriter of the 1960s, known for his powerful and emotional vocal style. His version of "Respect" became a hit, but it was Aretha Franklin's 1967 cover that transformed it into an anthem for the civil rights and feminist movements. Franklin's rendition, with its empowering arrangement and vocal delivery, is widely recognized as the definitive version. Redding's original recording showcased his signature gritty soul sound, while Franklin's adaptation amplified its message of dignity and self-worth.12

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Otis Redding
…(to Stop Now)” (1965), “Respect” (1965), “Satisfaction” (1966), “Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)” (1966). Redding’s influence extended beyond his gritty vocals. As a composer, especially with his frequent partner Steve Cropper, he introduced a new sort of rhythm-and-blues line—lean, clean, and steely strong. He arranged his songs as he wrote them,…
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…(to Stop Now)” (1965), “Respect” (1965), “Satisfaction” (1966), “Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)” (1966). Redding’s influence extended beyond his gritty vocals. As a composer, especially with his frequent partner Steve Cropper, he introduced a new sort of rhythm-and-blues line—lean, clean, and steely strong. He arranged his songs as he wrote them,…
Read More

Aretha Franklin
Move to Atlantic Records and becoming Lady Soul
” “Respect,” her 1967 cover of Otis Redding’s spirited composition, became an anthem operating on personal, sexual, and racial levels. It was her first single to reach number one on the Billboard pop chart and earned two Grammy Awards—the first of many in her career. “Think”…
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” “Respect,” her 1967 cover of Otis Redding’s spirited composition, became an anthem operating on personal, sexual, and racial levels. It was her first single to reach number one on the Billboard pop chart and earned two Grammy Awards—the first of many in her career. “Think”…
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soul music
…I Love You)” and “Respect.” Before Franklin, though, soul music had exploded largely through the work of Southern artists such as James Brown and Southern-oriented labels such as Stax/Volt.
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…I Love You)” and “Respect.” Before Franklin, though, soul music had exploded largely through the work of Southern artists such as James Brown and Southern-oriented labels such as Stax/Volt.
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