What 1968 Aretha Franklin song was co-written by her sister Carolyn?

“Ain’t No Way” was the 1968 Aretha Franklin song co-written by her sister Carolyn Franklin. Carolyn wrote the song, while Aretha delivered its celebrated lead vocal, turning a family collaboration into one of Aretha’s most emotionally powerful recordings.

The song appeared on Aretha’s 1968 album Lady Soul and was released as the B-side of “(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone.” It reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 9 on the U.S. R&B chart. Carolyn also contributed background vocals, alongside members of the Sweet Inspirations.

The recording is often remembered for its dramatic vocal arrangement. Cissy Houston, a member of the Sweet Inspirations, supplied a notable operatic upper-register part during the bridges and ending. That detail can cause confusion because several major singers were involved, but Carolyn Franklin is the credited songwriter.

Carolyn later wrote other material for Aretha, including “Angel,” released in 1973. “Ain’t No Way” should also not be confused with a different song of the same title on Aretha’s 2003 album So Damn Happy, written by Barry J. Eastmond and Gordon Chambers.