In 1967, Aretha Franklin signed to Atlantic Records after the expiration of her recording contract with Columbia. She had not had the breakthrough success that she was hoping for on her previous label, and was eager to make a new start at a new home. She was immediately paired with legendary producer Jerry Wexler, and at his request, headed to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to record at the town’s F.A.M.E. Recording Studios. Wexler wanted to take Aretha away from the bustle of New York and LA to a sonic incubator to record a sound that was more authentic to her roots. The sessions in Muscle Shoals were successful in establishing the producer-artist bond between Wexler and Franklin, and the pair was able to produce the hit single “I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Loved You)” during that time. Franklin would go on to have many chart-topping successes on Atlantic Records under Wexler's guidance. Some notable titles include “Respect”, “Chain of Fools”, "Rock Steady” and “Think”. Franklin would later recall, “Coming to Muscle Shoals was the turning point in my career.” Franklin remained with Atlantic Records from 1967-1979. This period is regarded as her most prolific and commercially successful. She received 10 Grammy Awards during her tenure for works that she co-produced with Jerry Wexler and the esteemed Atlantic production team in New York and Muscle Shoals. From: https://www.atlanticrecords.com/posts/aretha-franklin-art-musical-partnership-18201
