In January 1967, a 24-year old Aretha Franklin signed to Atlantic Records and began one of the most legendary runs in music history.

Rhino celebrates the 50th anniversary of Franklin’s historic signing with an opportunity to hear her classics like never before. A Brand New Me: Aretha Franklin With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra features Franklin’s instantly recognisable voice woven together with new orchestral arrangements from The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, with brand new backing vocals led by Grammy-Award winning singer Patti Austin.

The album will be available from November 10th on CD, LP, digital download, and streaming services.

A Brand New Me is a timeless record that retains the soul, groove, and gospel power of Franklin’s revered talent.

Among the standout tracks are newly re-imagined versions of classics like ‘Respect,’ ‘Think,’ ‘Don’t Play That Song (You Lied),’ and ‘Angel.’

The album was produced by Nick Patrick and Don Reedman.

Nick Patrick says: “There is a reason that Aretha Franklin is called the ‘Queen of Soul.’ There is nothing more exciting than that incredible voice taking you on an emotional roller coaster ride through her amazing repertoire of songs. To have the opportunity to work with that voice on this project has been the greatest honour and to hear a symphony orchestra wrapped around those performances is breath-taking.”

Don Reedman says: “I was 15 years old when a song came on the radio called ‘Rock A Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody.’ It blew me away; the power, the soul. The feeling that went through me got me hooked on Aretha and I have been ever since. To be able to make this album and be able to select songs from hits like ‘Respect’ to ‘Think’ then blend them with classic songs like ‘Let It Be’ and ‘Border Song’ and create an album which is versatile and fresh is truly an honour.”

Pre-order A Brand New Me here: https://WMNZ.lnk.to/ABrandNewMe-ArethaFranklinPR