24-Bit Digitally Remastered. Original Recordings.
16-Page Comprehensive Booklet. Rare Photo Vintage Memorabilia Detailed Liner Notes.

This collector’s edition compiles in chronological order all of Aretha’s seminal 7” singles (A & B sides) issued in the U.S. between 1956 and 1962 on different labels like J-V-B Checker and Columbia. It serves as the best introduction for anyone wanting to explore “lady soul’s” first musical steps. This is the material upon which Aretha’s soul kingdom and unique personal style were built. The original recordings presented here have been brilliantly remastered to achieve the most pristine sound.

ARETHA FRANKLIN lead vocals plus:
Al Sears (saxophone) Jimmy Cleveland (trombone) Bucky Pizzarelli Chauncey “Lord” Westbrook (guitar) Milt Hinton (bass) Ray Bryant Ernie Hayes (piano) Osie Johnson Belton “Sticks” Evans (drums) among others. Further personnel information is detailed inside.
Recorded in New York City and Detroit between 1956 and 1962.
Original recordings produced by John Hammond and Robert Mersey.

1. NEVER GROW OLD
2. YOU GROW CLOSER
3. PRECIOUS LORD PART 1
4. PRECIOUS LORD PART 2
5. TODAY I SING THE BLUES
6. LOVE IS THE ONLY THING
7. WON’T BE LONG
8. RIGHT NOW
9. ARE YOU SURE?
10. MAYBE I’M A FOOL
11. ROCK-A-BYE YOUR BABY WITH A DIXIE MELODY
12. OPERATION HEARTBREAK
13. IT AIN’T NECESSARILY SO
14. LOVER COME BACK TO ME
15. ROUGH LOVER
16. I SURRENDER DEAR
17. DON’T CRY BABY
18. WITHOUT THE ONE YOU LOVE
19. JUST FOR A THRILL
20. TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS
21. TROUBLE IN MIND
22. GOD BLESS THE CHILD