Ain't No Way

"Ain't No Way" is a song written by singer-songwriter Carolyn Franklin and sung by her elder sister Aretha Franklin as the b-side to her 1968 hit, "(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone."

History

Written by Carolyn Franklin, her sister Aretha recorded the song and released it off her acclaimed Lady Soul album. Released as the b-side of her top five hit, "(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone", the song peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #9 on the Hot R&B Singles Chart in 1968. Carolyn, and eldest sister Erma Franklin, performed background vocals on the track, as did singer Cissy Houston, who sang the memorable high notes during the song's bridges and dramatic ending. Christina Aguilera performed the song to great acclaim in a tribute to Aretha during the 53rd Grammy Awards. Also, Amber Riley, who portrays Mercedes Jones in Glee, covered the song for the show.

In 2011, Joe Bonamassa and Beth Hart covered the song in their collaborative album, Don't Explain .

Charts

Credits

Aretha Franklin version

• Lead vocal by Aretha Franklin
• Background vocals by Erma Franklin and Carolyn Franklin
• Additional background vocals by Cissy Houston
• Produced by Jerry Wexler

Patti LaBelle Version

• Patti LaBelle Recorded the song with Mary J Blige in 2004 for her Classic Moments album
• The song peaked at #68 on the R&B charts
• Patti LaBelle also listed "Aint no way" as one of her favourite songs of all time.
• Patti LaBelle also has paid tribute to Aretha Franklin with the song.