Aretha Franklin’s tenth studio album, I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, is an unforgettable part of music history. While many know it for its breakthrough success and legendary tracks like “Respect,” here are five lesser-known facts about the making and impact of this album:
- A Rocky Start in Muscle Shoals
The title track was recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, but the session didn’t go smoothly. An altercation broke out between Aretha’s then-husband, Ted White, trumpeter Ken Laxton, and FAME Studios owner Rick Hall, forcing the session to be cut short. The album’s completion was moved to Atlantic Studios in New York City, where many of the tracks were finished. - Unfinished Yet Perfect
“Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” was left incomplete at FAME Studios due to the abrupt end of the session. The Muscle Shoals rhythm section had to be flown to New York to finish the song. Interestingly, there was a discrepancy in tape speeds between the two studios, which caused the piano on the final recording to be slightly out of tune—a fact producer Chips Moman later regretted. - A Columbia Records Departure
This album marked a significant turning point for Franklin, as it was her first release with Atlantic Records after nine less-successful jazz albums with Columbia Records. This shift allowed her to explore her soul roots, ultimately bringing her the commercial success and recognition she deserved. - Rolling Stone’s Mixed Review
Although the album is now hailed as one of the greatest of all time, its initial reception was not all praise. Rolling Stone criticized it for weak production and sidemen, stating the drums weren’t hard enough and the guitar lacked strength. However, the album has since been reappraised, now ranking #13 on Rolling Stone’s 2020 list of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” and in 2002, they placed the album at #1 on their “Women in Rock: 50 Essential Albums” list. - Those Musicians. Oh Those Musicians
While Aretha Franklin’s powerhouse vocals steal the spotlight, I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You featured an incredible lineup of musicians who helped shape its iconic sound. Guitarists like Chips Moman and Jimmy Johnson brought depth to the album’s soulful grooves, while Spooner Oldham, a legendary session musician, contributed his signature keyboards and piano. The rhythm section was anchored by Tommy Cogbill on bass and Gene Chrisman and Roger Hawkins on drums, whose tight, nuanced playing added weight to the tracks.
The album also had a brilliant brass section with trumpeter Melvin Lastie and saxophonists King Curtis (tenor) and Willie Bridges (baritone), whose horn arrangements added richness and texture to tracks like “Respect” and “Save Me.” Additionally, the backup vocals were nothing short of extraordinary, featuring Franklin’s sisters Carolyn and Erma Franklin, alongside Cissy Houston (mother of Whitney Houston). Their harmonies provided a soulful complement to Aretha’s lead vocals, creating an unbeatable blend of voices that lifted tracks like “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” to the sky. Together, these musicians and singers formed the perfect foundation for Franklin’s voice, creating an album that remains timeless in its impact and influence.
