Super Soul Sister

Erma Franklin | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 31, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Vampi Soul
• ASIN: B0000WKPFS
• Also Available in: Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #43,266 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. By the Time I Get to Phoenix

2. Change My Thoughts from You

3. Light My Fire

4. You've Been Cancelled

5. For Once in My Life

6. Can't See My Way

7. Hold On, I'm Coming

8. Saving My Love for You

9. Son of a Preacher Man

10. Gotta Find Me a Lover (24 Hours a Day)

11. Baby I Love You

12. Whispers (Gettin' Louder) [*]

13. Higher & Higher [*]

14. (I Get The) Sweetest Feelin' [*]

Editorial Reviews

Aretha's sister was a glorious singer, too, but her career was scuttled by label fiascos. Her 1969 Soul Sister LP (plus bonus cuts) will have you enthralled by the voice and appalled at the luck of this shoulda-been soul star: her hit Gotta Find Me a Lover plus Can't See My Way; You've Been Cancelled , and more. CD debut!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rev . Franklin Had Three Daughters!, January 13, 2008

By 

Oliver Penn (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Super Soul Sister (Audio CD)

Yes, the famous Rev. C. L. Franklin had three singing daughters, two of whom I met and spent time with: Aretha and Carolyn. I saw the other daughter, Erma, at the Apollo Theatre with Jackie Wilson and when she and her sister (Carolyn) opened for Aretha at Philharmonic Hall. They had the first half of the concert. It was truly amazing to see both ladies bare witness to the core. After their individual sets, people who had never seen Aretha were asking, "what can SHE do after these two incredible singers?" Kudos must be given to Aretha Franklin for showcasing her talented sisters; most singers or actors would never be as generous.

Erma Franklin and gospel queen, Albertina Walker graced the first part of Aretha's concert at Madision Square Garden in the '70s and brought the house down before Aretha appeared. I remember that concert being professionally filmed, but I've never seen any footage.

Erma was unique as was Carolyn. Their styles were completely shaped by their experience of singing in black Baptist churches, but even so, they were totally different singers. Erma was more bluesy, but like her sister Aretha, that gospel fervor would come out at a moment's notice, with Erma "going to the floor" screaming and testifying. Carolyn, in the studio, was not as strong as her two siblings, but she rose to the occasion when she had to follow Erma in concert! There were two shows that night, one with Carolyn opening, the other with Erma opening. They "tore up Jack!"

These songs are great, but it's too bad she didn't record more. I'm sure there's quite a bit "in the vaults" that we'll get later on, but for those who don't know Aretha's sister, this is a good way to "get to know" her. There is in existence a "live" concert with Erma from 1968, recorded in San Francisco. Do a google.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There are no words..., February 26, 2006

By 

Bonnie (By the Lake) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Super Soul Sister (Audio CD)

Erma Franklin wears the family name well. Just as great as Aretha in interpreting songs. Just listen to her versions of songs her sister also recorded: Baby, I Love You and Son of a Preacher Man. And in the case of the latter, listen to her version compared to Dusty Springfield's, which is normally considered the definitive recording. Erma's interpretations have their own vibrancy and deep soul that allow them to stand on their own BESIDE these other versions, not in contrast to them. If you love deep soul and believe you have all the definitive recordings, you do not if you don't have this one.

I only wish that Erma Franklin had done more solo work during that late '60s - early '70s period when soul was at its height. She is no second to her sister, but an equal, even though she did sing backup for her. Erma has her own voice - a completely different timbre from her sister's - but rich, resonant and powerful. From what I can tell, she also had a range that easily covered close to 4 octaves like Aretha.

You should be clicking "BUY NOW." Just get this record.