Summary
The song "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," made famous by Aretha Franklin, was written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. These songwriters from New York collaborated on several hits in the 1960s, and Jerry Wexler, a record producer, asked them to create a special song for Franklin. Franklin's powerful singing and her switch to Atlantic Records helped her reach international fame.
Key Facts
- Aretha Franklin sang "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin.
- King and Goffin never met Franklin but wrote several other pop hits in the 1960s.
- Franklin's father was a well-known preacher, and she grew up surrounded by famous gospel and R&B musicians.
- Franklin began recording at 14 and later found success with Atlantic Records.
- Jerry Wexler, a record producer, asked King and Goffin to write a song specifically for Franklin.
- Franklin's first major hit at Atlantic Records was "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)."
- Wexler suggested the song title "A Natural Woman" to King and Goffin.
