Artist page · 04/07/2026
About
Over 50 vinyl releases spanning soul, gospel, and R&B — key pressings from Columbia to Arista command attention.
Aretha Franklin is celebrated for her groundbreaking fusion of gospel roots and soulful R&B, marked by a powerful vocal delivery and emotive piano playing. With origins in Memphis and a formative upbringing in Detroit, her musical catalogue spans early jazz and blues recordings with Columbia, a commercial breakthrough with Atlantic Records, and later work with Arista. Notable for her role in civil rights activism and her emotive interpretations, she left a lasting imprint on American music.
Her vinyl discography exceeds 47 titles including studio albums, live recordings, and compilations, featuring genres like funk, soul, blues, and gospel.
Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Arista · 1998
Arista · 1991
Arista · 1989
Arista · 1987
Arista · 1986
Arista · 1985
Arista · 1983
Arista · 1982
Arista · 1981Arista · 1980
Atlantic · 1979
Atlantic · 1978
Atlantic · 1977
Atlantic · 1976
Atlantic · 1975
Atlantic · 1974
Atlantic · 1974
Atlantic · 1973
Atlantic · 1972
Atlantic · 1972
Atlantic · 1971
Atlantic · 1970
Atlantic · 1970
Columbia · 1969
Atlantic · 1969
Atlantic · 1968
Atlantic · 1968
Atlantic · 1968
Atlantic · 1967
Columbia · 1967
Atlantic · 1967
Columbia · 1966
Columbia · 1965
Checker · 1965
Columbia · 1964
Columbia · 1964
Columbia · 1963
Columbia · 1962
Columbia · 1962Columbia · 1961Playlist
The tracks that sum up Aretha Franklin's career.
The essentials
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
Released in 1968, this album includes staples like "Chain of Fools" and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," showcasing her breakthrough R&B style.
A live gospel recording from 1972 capturing Aretha's spiritual roots with 14 tracks including the title track lasting over 10 minutes.
This 1986 release on Arista includes 9 tracks featuring "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash," reflecting her contemporary R&B style.
Go further
Artists who share part of Aretha Franklin's musical DNA.
Collectors
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
Face B
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
When I went to Atlantic Records, they just sat me down at the piano and the hits started to come.— Aretha Franklin
The 1972 live album "Amazing Grace" was recorded at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, showcasing her gospel roots across 14 tracks and a runtime exceeding 75 minutes.
Recorded in 1968 under Atlantic Records, "Lady Soul" features hits like "Chain of Fools" and "Ain't No Way," marking a defining moment in Franklin's soul career.
After early jazz-oriented work with Columbia, Aretha joined Atlantic in 1967, partnering with producers Jerry Wexler and Arif Mardin to craft her soulful R&B breakthrough.
A 2025 vinyl release captures Aretha's 1968 live performance in Cologne, revealing her powerful stage presence during the soul music golden era.
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Her vinyl spans soul, gospel, funk, blues, and R&B, reflecting her diverse musical roots and evolution.
"Lady Soul" from 1968 is highly sought for its classic soul tracks and multiple pressings across key labels like Atlantic.
The "Amazing Grace" vinyl features 14 tracks, including extended gospel renditions lasting over 75 minutes total.
Yes, the 1980 French pressing of "Aretha" on Arista (catno AL 9538) is a notable collectible for vinyl enthusiasts in France.
Prices vary by pressing, with editions like 1968's "Lady Soul" ranging from about €4 to over €12, influenced by rarity and condition.
This live album was released on vinyl in 2025 by History of Soul Records and is available through specialized vinyl sellers.
Her father was a civil rights leader, and Aretha's music became anthems of pride and empowerment within the black community.
Early jazz and blues albums from the 1960s with Columbia Records have multiple vinyl editions, including stereo and mono pressings.
Transparency
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
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