Aretha Franklin’s “I Say a Little Prayer” is a celebrated soul classic, recorded in 1968 for her album Aretha Now. The song was originally written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for Dionne Warwick, whose 1967 version was already a hit. Franklin’s rendition, however, became iconic in its own right, noted for its gospel-infused arrangement, emotional power, and dynamic interplay with her backing vocalists, The Sweet Inspirations56.
Franklin’s version was initially not planned as a major single; she and her singers were rehearsing it for fun in the studio when its potential became clear. The track was released as the B-side to “The House That Jack Built,” but quickly gained its own momentum, climbing to No. 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on the R&B chart. In the UK, it reached No. 4, marking it as her biggest UK hit until 19874610.
The recording features:
- Aretha Franklin on lead vocals and piano
- Tommy Cogbill (guitar)
- Jerry Jemmott (bass)
- Roger Hawkins (drums)
- The Sweet Inspirations (backing vocals)
Franklin’s interpretation is distinguished by its shift to A major (from Warwick’s G major), inventive piano work, and a more soulful, expressive approach. The song’s lyrics express deep devotion and longing, originally inspired by a woman’s prayers for her partner serving in the Vietnam War46.
Aretha Franklin’s “I Say a Little Prayer” has become one of her signature songs, praised for transforming the pop original into a powerful soul anthem and remaining a staple of her legendary catalog567.
