John Hammond discovered and produced Aretha Franklin’s early Columbia Records recordings. Hammond, a legendary Columbia talent scout and producer, heard Franklin’s demo in New York and helped sign her to Columbia in 1960, shortly after her 18th birthday.
Her first Columbia album, Aretha, was released in 1961 and featured the Ray Bryant Combo. Hammond paired Franklin with jazz musicians and arrangers, guiding her toward standards, pop, blues, vocal jazz, and rhythm and blues rather than emphasizing the gospel sound that had shaped her childhood.
The wording can cause a common mix-up because several Columbia producers worked with Franklin, including Clyde Otis, Bobby Scott, and Bob Johnston. Hammond did not produce every Columbia session, but he discovered her and produced important early albums, including Aretha and The Electrifying Aretha Franklin.
Franklin spent six years at Columbia before moving to Atlantic Records in 1967. Producer Jerry Wexler then helped bring out the gospel-driven soul style that made her famous as the Queen of Soul.