What was Aretha Franklin’s Biggest Hit?

When you talk about the Queen of Soul, it’s almost impossible to narrow her career down to just one song. Aretha Franklin had a voice that could shake a church, silence a room, and still somehow sound like it was singing just to you. Over five decades, she stacked up hit after hit — but one track sits above the rest.

“Respect” — The Defining Song

Aretha Franklin’s biggest hit was her 1967 version of “Respect.”

Originally written and recorded by Otis Redding, it was Aretha who transformed it into something bigger than a love song. She flipped the perspective, added those unforgettable “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” chants, and turned it into an anthem for both the civil rights movement and women’s liberation.

The single shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her two Grammy Awards. More than that, it cemented her as a voice for empowerment and change.

Other Heavyweights

That said, Aretha wasn’t a one-hit wonder. Far from it. Tracks like:

• Think

• (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

• Chain of Fools

• I Say a Little Prayer

all became timeless classics and remain staples of soul and pop playlists. But none of them quite reached the cultural impact of Respect.

Why “Respect” Still Matters

More than 50 years later, “Respect” still hits hard. It’s more than just a soul single — it’s a demand, a celebration, and a reminder that music can shift culture.

For Aretha, it wasn’t just her biggest hit on the charts. It was the song that defined her career, gave her a permanent seat at the head of the table, and secured her crown as the Queen of Soul.

Final Thought

So, what was Aretha Franklin’s biggest hit?

“Respect.” A two-and-a-half-minute masterclass in soul power, turned into a lifelong anthem for dignity, strength, and pride.

Because Aretha didn’t just sing songs. She sang history.

Respect

Sam