"Chain of Fools" by Aretha Franklin (1967)

Dance song of the day - July 11, 2024

In terms of treats to come, tomorrow we have a fun song for Anna and the day after an iconic song requested by Trevor in London. Feel free to send me a request at any time in the comments or by email at ellenendwell@proton.me. Think of me as your retro-sixties-and-early-seventies DJ if you wish, at least until my October high school reunion, following which the floodgates will open to the treasure-filled seventies.

Song of the day

If you want a “you done me wrong but I just can’t leave you” song, there’s no one better than the incomparable Aretha Franklin singing “Chain of Fools,” which came out on her Lady Soul album in 1967. Here she is singing it live on TV, a version I chose because it shows that Aretha was not just a great singer or interpreter. The Queen of Soul was also a peerless performer, making every appearance unique and mesmerizing. What a gift.

I know you’ll want some special moves for this song, and I heartily recommend stealing them from the master. I’m talking about that dancing dynamo who gobsmacked us in both Grease and Saturday Night Fever. Did you know that he came down to earth and wowed the gals to this very tune in Michael (1996)? Of course I’m talking about John Travolta, showing us some heavenly dance moves. (No groaning allowed.)

And I can’t help myself, I have to share this live version of Aretha performing the song with Annie Lennox at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary concerts in 2009. An incredible combo.

Song credits

Songwriter - Don Covay

Producer - Jerry Wexler

Singers and musicians:

• Aretha Franklin – lead vocals and piano

• Jimmy Johnson and Joe South – guitars

• Spooner Oldham – Wurlitzer electric piano

• Tommy Cogbill – bass

• Roger Hawkins – drums

• The Sweet Inspirations, Carolyn Franklin, Erma Franklin & Ellie Greenwich – background vocals