“Respect” is the signature song of the Aretha Franklin, and when she spells out the word “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” you know she means business. “Respect” was written and originally cut by Otis Redding in 1965. The two versions of the song had very different effects, though. Redding seemed to asking for his woman’s respect, which wasn’t a particularly unconventional sentiment in pop songs. Aretha recorded “Respect” on Valentine’s Day 1967, backed by her sisters Erma and Carolyn. In Franklin’s hands, and voice, “Respect” became not only a plea for her man’s respect, but a call for respect for women in general — and even the anthem for recognition human dignity for all throughout the world. It is one of the defining songs of 1960s pop music and an enduring classic.

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Talk Of The Nation report: Aretha Franklin’s ‘Respect’ Celebrates 40th Birthday