Aretha-House That Jack Built 1/9/25 3.36 PM

Aretha-House That Jack Built 1/9/25 3.36 PM

From Needle House by Gail

January 9, 2025 · 3 min

About this episode

Gail Nobles explores the impact of Aretha Franklin's rendition of 'This is the House that Jack Built' and its significance in soul music history.

Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain Story by: Gail Nobles Intro: Gail Nobles Okay, Yall, gather 'round because we’re diving right into the groovy world of soul music, and let me tell you, there’s a once-in-a-lifetime gem that shines brighter than a disco ball on a Saturday night! This is the House that Jack Built, penned by the dynamic duo of Bobby Lance and Fran Robbins, a tune that just won’t quit, and it’s got a story that’ll make you tap your feet and sway your hips! Now, let’s set the stage: Thelma Jones recorded the original version of this infectious track earlier in 1968, releasing it on the Barry label. But it didn’t quite find its place in the U.S. charts. But hold on to your hats, because just a few months later, the queen of soul herself stepped into the ring! That's right, Aretha Franklin took this tune and ran with it, giving it the royal treatment it deserved! Released in 1968, Aretha's rendition broke through the barriers like a bolt of lightning, reaching a sensational No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100! And oh, did she sizzle on the U.S. R&B charts like a hot plate of soul food, soaring all the way to No. 2! Aretha put her heart and soul into this track, wrapping it…

People in this episode

Host: Gail Nobles

Topics covered

  • soul music
  • Aretha Franklin
  • music history
  • 1960s music
  • R&B charts

Keywords

  • Aretha Franklin
  • soul music
  • Thelma Jones
  • Billboard Hot 100
  • 1968

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Barry label

Books & works: This is the House that Jack Built

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