I stopped by my local record store over the weekend and while shuffling through the F bin and Aretha Franklin records, I saw an album cover that was new to me. I assumed it was an Aretha album but noticed it said Carolyn Franklin instead. Huh? I flipped it over and there was Aretha’s father talking about how his youngest daughter, Carolyn, could sing better than both of her older sisters. Even more enticing was the album was still sealed. I added it to my stack.
We listened to the LP that night and I noticed that even though they are sisters, Aretha still has a certain…something…in her voice that makes her stand out.
Carolyn had a hard time breaking through in the industry but found success writing songs for Aretha. Carolyn passed away from breast cancer in 1988. If you’re a fan of classic soul, listen to Carolyn’s album, Baby Dynamite. I think you will enjoy it.
Aaron Hartley 