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MPR News Staff

Aretha Franklin transformed an Otis Redding song into a feminist anthem

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Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin
Courtesy of the artist

Today's Morning Edition music is from "Respect" by Aretha Franklin, which was the No. 1 song on the Billboard pop charts 50 years ago.

It was written and first recorded by Otis Redding two year's earlier. Redding's version is about a man who works all day to support his family and all he wants when he comes home is the respect of his woman.

Franklin transformed the song into a feminist anthem. She also added the spelling of respect and the "sock it to me" chant, which she remembers as something that women she knew would say to their boyfriends.