I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)

When Aretha Franklin arrived at Atlantic Records in 1967, she was coming from a period with Columbia Records where, despite having recorded eight albums, she had not achieved significant commercial impact. It was producer Jerry Wexler who signed her and brought her to the FAME studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, in January of that same year. There, alongside local rhythm section musicians and some Stax collaborators like Chips Moman and Tommy Cogbill, they set out to record. The first piece they tackled was "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)", a song that Franklin herself brought with her, written by Ronnie Shannon. The energy in the room was palpable from the first chord Aretha played on the piano. It is said that Wexler knew instantly they had a hit on their hands. The recording of this track, along with "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man", was completed in just three days, although a subsequent dispute interrupted the session, forcing some parts to be finished at Atlantic's studios in New York.

The release of "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" on February 10, 1967, marked a turning point in Aretha Franklin's career. This single, which also gave its title to her ninth studio album, became her first major hit. It reached number one on the rhythm and blues charts and ninth place on the pop charts, a stark contrast to her previous work. The song, with its powerful vocal performance and raw soul sound, resonated deeply, catapulting Franklin to stardom. The album, released on March 10, 1967, was also a success, reaching second place on the Billboard 200. The recording of this track has been recognized over time, being included in 2009 in the Grammy Hall of Fame.