Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain

Story by: Gail Nobles

Intro: Gail Nobles

Okay, Yall, gather 'round because we’re diving right into the groovy world of soul music, and let me tell you, there’s a once-in-a-lifetime gem that shines brighter than a disco ball on a Saturday night! This is the House that Jack Built, penned by the dynamic duo of Bobby Lance and Fran Robbins, a tune that just won’t quit, and it’s got a story that’ll make you tap your feet and sway your hips!

Now, let’s set the stage: Thelma Jones recorded the original version of this infectious track earlier in 1968, releasing it on the Barry label. But it didn’t quite find its place in the U.S. charts. But hold on to your hats, because just a few months later, the queen of soul herself stepped into the ring! That's right, Aretha Franklin took this tune and ran with it, giving it the royal treatment it deserved!

Released in 1968, Aretha's rendition broke through the barriers like a bolt of lightning, reaching a sensational No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100! And oh, did she sizzle on the U.S. R&B charts like a hot plate of soul food, soaring all the way to No. 2! Aretha put her heart and soul into this track, wrapping it in her signature vocal power that could shake the very foundations of any house Jack might have built!

So whether you’re playing it on an old vinyl, listening to it on the radio, or grooving to it at a party, remember that “This is the House that Jack Built” is a celebration of soul, passion, and the magic that happens when a true artist like Aretha Franklin takes a tune and makes it her own. That’s the kind of unforgettable legacy that keeps the spirit of rock and roll alive! Keep it real.

I’m Gail Nobles! Thank you for listening!