Exclusive; Aretha Franklin’s been trying to get her Aretha’s Records off the ground for some time now. So here’s the news: Aretha’s Records is getting a distribution deal at Universal Music Group, shepherded, I’m told, by former Sony honcho Don Ienner. Ienner was a long time senior exec at Sony Music under Tommy Mottola.
The first releases on Aretha’s Records will be 5 of her classic Atlantic albums that somehow fell through the cracks and never made it onto CD. More of her catalog, as well an unreleased material, could wind up there, too. In addition, Franklin is looking to sign new young singers.
Aretha at 70 is a whirlwind. She’s cooking with Al Roker on the “Today” show next week, and has a bunch of concerts planned for the summer. She’s never been in better voice. Go, Aretha!
And the Universal deal will not impact the recent contract she signed with Clive Davis over at Sony for new recordings. She’s getting the best of all worlds.
The first album listed below includes “Without Love,” one of Aretha’s great masterpieces, written her late sister Carolyn.
1. WITH EVERYTHING I FEEL IN ME (Atlantic SD 18116)
Without Love
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart
When You Get Right Down To It
You’ll Never Get To Heaven
With Everything I Feel In Me
I Love Every Little Thing About You
Sing It Again – Say It Again
All Of These Things
You Move Me
Bonus Tracks:
Til It’s Over (1974)
Springtime In New York (June 1974)
2. YOU (Atlantic SD 18151)
Mr. D.J. (5 For The D.J.)
It Only Happens (When I Look At You)
I’m Not Strong Enough To Love You Again
Walk Softly
You Make My Life
Without You
The Sha-La Bandit
You
You Got All The Aces
As Long As You Are There
Bonus Tracks:
Rock Me (April 1975)
White Dove (October 1975)
Can You (October 1975)
You Can’t Make It (October 1975)
I Want To Make Love To You (October 1975)
TNT Dynamite (October 1975)
3. SWEET PASSION (Atlantic SD 19102)
Break It To Me Gently
When I Think About You
What I Did For Love
No One Could Ever Love You More
A Tender Touch
Touch Me Up
Sunshine Will Never Be The Same
Meadows Of Springtime
Mumbles / I’ve Got The Music In Me
Sweet Passion
Bonus Tracks:
Before The Magic C Is Just A Memory (1976)
Musta Up Some Gusta (December 1976)
You Light Up My Life (July 1978)
4. ALMIGHTY FIRE (WOMAN OF THE FUTURE) (Atlantic SD 19161)
Lady, Lady
More Than Just A Joy
Keep On Loving You
I Needed You Baby
Close To You
No Matter Who You Love
This You Can Believe
I’m Your Speed
5. LA DIVA (Atlantic SD 19248)
Ladies Only
It’s Gonna Get A Bit Better
What If I Should Ever Need You
Honey I Need Your Love
I Was Made For You
Only Star
Reasons Why
You Brought Me Back To Life
Half A Love
The Feeling
Bonus Track:
I Need Your Love (June 1979)
