Aretha Franklin’s Soulful Twist on ‘Let It Be’ – Why It May Just Be Better Than The Beatles’ Classic!

“Genius” is a word that often gets tossed around too casually. But when it comes to Aretha Franklin, it’s not just appropriate—it’s essential. The ‘Queen of Soul’ possessed a voice that could part clouds, move mountains, and make time stand still. Her unmistakable vocal power turned every track she touched into a force of nature, and while her original work solidified her legacy, some of her most awe-inspiring moments came when she reimagined the work of others—including, remarkably, The Beatles.

The Beatles, by the mid-1960s, had become a global sensation. From their humble Liverpool beginnings to topping charts across the world, their music bridged gaps in geography and genre. Heavily influenced by Black American music—citing heroes like Little Richard and Smokey Robinson—the Fab Four built much of their early sound on rock, soul, and Motown. Their open admiration for Black artists wasn’t just respectful; it was revolutionary for the time, and it laid the groundwork for a powerful musical dialogue.

Enter Aretha Franklin. By 1966, she had signed with Atlantic Records, and within a few short years, she had become one of the most dominant forces in American music. Songs like “Respect,” “Think,” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” didn’t just climb charts—they redefined them.

It was only natural that two musical worlds so heavily inspired by one another would eventually collide. Franklin covered several Beatles songs over the years—“Eleanor Rigby,” “The Long and Winding Road,” “Lady Madonna”—but her rendition of “Let It Be” stands in a class all its own.

In a twist of history that feels almost mythical, Franklin’s version of “Let It Be” actually hit the airwaves before The Beatles officially released theirs. Paul McCartney, recognizing the soul-stirring potential of the track in Aretha’s hands, sent an early demo to producer Jerry Wexler at Atlantic Records. The result was a gospel-tinged, emotionally charged interpretation that transcends genre boundaries.

Franklin’s “Let It Be” isn’t just a cover—it’s a rebirth. While McCartney’s original is calm, reflective, and gently spiritual, Franklin’s take is bold, earthy, and drenched in gospel soul. Her voice doesn’t plead for peace—it demands it. Each note is a prayer, a protest, and a benediction all at once. It’s the kind of performance that makes you believe in something higher—whether that’s music, humanity, or hope.

Paul McCartney never hid his reverence for Franklin. Following her passing in 2018, he mourned her as “the Queen of our souls,” a tribute as fitting as any. “She will be missed,” he said, “but the memory of her greatness as a musician and a fine human being will live with us forever.”

That greatness is perhaps no more evident than in her transformative rendition of “Let It Be”—a cover so powerful, it just might outshine the original. And in the vast canon of modern music, that’s no small feat.