(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

1967 song by Aretha Franklin March 2026 (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman You Make Me Feel like a Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin (US vinyl, side A).png yes single Aretha Franklin Lady Soul Baby, Baby, Baby September 1967 1967 American Sound Studio (Memphis) Soul 2:45 Atlantic Gerry Goffin Carole King Jerry Wexler Jerry Wexler Baby I Love You 1967 Chain of Fools 1967 Lyric video 8jCFzreP1ng "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" is a 1967 song recorded by American soul singer Aretha Franklin and released as a single by Atlantic from her album Lady Soul. The lyrics were written by Gerry Goffin from an idea by Atlantic producer Jerry Wexler, with music composed by Carole King. Created specifically for Franklin, the single reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of her signature recordings. It entered the UK Singles Chart at number 79 in 2018, one week after Franklin's death, marking its first appearance there more than 50 years after its original release. Franklin later included a live version on her 1968 album Aretha in Paris. King recorded her own version for the 1971 album Tapestry. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Mary J. Blige and Celine Dion, whose 1995 recordings both reached the charts. Franklin performed the song in tribute to King at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors.Miller Matt Aretha Franklin Just Brought the Leader of the Free World to Tears http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/news/a40849/aretha-franklin-obama-kennedy-center/ Esquire December 31, 2015 December 30, 2015 January 1, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160101073042/http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/news/a40849/aretha-franklin-obama-kennedy-center/ liveHattenstone Simon Obama cries as Aretha Franklin proves why she's the queen of soul https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/dec/30/president-barack-obama-cries-aretha-franklin-kennedy-center The Guardian December 31, 2015 December 30, 2015Kreps Daniel Watch Aretha Franklin Bring Obama to Tears at Kennedy Center Honors https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/watch-aretha-franklin-wow-barack-obama-at-kennedy-center-honors-20151230 Rolling Stone December 31, 2015 December 30, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151230225346/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/watch-aretha-franklin-wow-barack-obama-at-kennedy-center-honors-20151230 December 30, 2015 dead In June 2026, CBS News included the song in its list of the 250 essential American songs of the past 250 years.Essential American Songbook https://www.cbsnews.com/projects/2026/sunmo-american-songbook/ 2026-06-30 www.cbsnews.com en Background and release Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, the song was inspired by Atlantic Records co-owner and producer Jerry Wexler. In his autobiography, Wexler recalled that he had been thinking about the idea of the "natural man" while studying African-American musical culture. After seeing King on a New York street, he called out that he wanted a "natural woman" song for Aretha Franklin's upcoming album Lady Soul. Goffin and King wrote the song that same night.Remnick David http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/04/04/aretha-franklins-american-soul Soul Survivor: The revival and hidden treasure of Aretha Franklin The New Yorker April 4, 2016 August 21, 2018 September 23, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230923201513/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/04/04/aretha-franklins-american-soul live In appreciation, they gave Wexler a co-writing credit. Cash Box wrote that "from the vocal standpoint, the side is unmatched; and in the ork and production departments, excellent work add up to a shattering performance", adding that the song rises to "new emotional peaks" from a "shattering" opening.CashBox Record Reviews September 23, 1967 26 January 12, 2022 https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/60s/1967/CB-1967-09-23.pdf Cash Box In 1999, Franklin's 1967 recording for Atlantic was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.Grammy Hall of Fame Award https://www.grammy.com/awards/hall-of-fame-award#n National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences December 30, 2023 July 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150707235113/http://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/awards/hall-of-fame#n live The track was ranked number 90 on Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list in 2021.Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-30065/aretha-franklin-you-make-me-feel-like-a-natural-woman-30477/ Rolling Stone Australia September 15, 2021 January 20, 2024 February 28, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240228092737/https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-30065/aretha-franklin-you-make-me-feel-like-a-natural-woman-30477/ live Personnel Aretha Franklin – lead vocals Spooner Oldham – piano Tommy Cogbill – bass Eric Gale – guitar Gene Chrisman – drums The Sweet Inspirations – background vocals Carolyn Franklin – background vocals Erma Franklin – background vocals Ralph Burns - strings conductor Charts + Chart performance Chart (1967–2018) Peakposition Australia 36 Canada RPM 11Dutch100 32 Aretha Franklin (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman true June 8, 2023 Sweden Heatseeker (Sverigetopplistan)https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/215?dspy=2018&dspp=34 Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 34, 2018 sv Sverigetopplistan April 24, 2021 July 8, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200708041615/https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/215?dspy=2018&dspp=34 live 12Switzerland 69 Aretha Franklin (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman true 8 June 2023UK 79 20180824 true June 8, 2023Billboardhot100 8 Aretha Franklin true June 8, 2023Billboardrandbhiphop 2 Aretha Franklin true June 8, 2023 US Cash Box Top 100 12 Certifications Certifications Italy single Aretha Franklin (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman Gold 1967 2024 13648 December 2, 2024 New Zealand single Aretha Franklin (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman Platinum 1967 2025 NZcert radioscope July 17, 2025 Spain single Gold 1967 2024 Aretha Franklin (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman May 23, 2024 United Kingdom single Aretha Franklin (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman Gold 2004 2023 16187-2222-1 March 24, 2023 true true true Carole King version (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman song Carole King Tapestry 1971 January 1971 Soft rock blue-eyed soul Gerry Goffin Carole King Jerry Wexler Lou Adler song Audio KQXY8zwQgmc "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" Carole King recorded "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" for her 1971 album Tapestry, which later became one of the best-selling albums of all time. Her rendition adopts a slower, more minimal arrangement than Franklin's, centered on King's piano and Charles Larkey's bass. Instead of matching Franklin's vocal intensity, King delivers the song in a more conversational style.February 4, 2020 'Tapestry' at 50: How Carole King 'bet on herself' to record a singer-songwriter classic en-US Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2021-02-04/carole-king-tapestry-50-james-taylor June 14, 2023 June 14, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230614233237/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2021-02-04/carole-king-tapestry-50-james-taylor live In a contemporary review for Rolling Stone, critic Jon Landau called King's version one of the album's "pleasantest moments" and "an entirely fresh and original interpretation".Rolling Stone April 29, 1971 Jon Landau https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/tapestry-19710429 Carole King Tapestry > Review October 2, 2007 June 14, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20071002075845/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/caroleking/albums/album/122443/review/5940689/writer live A retrospective review from AllMusic notes that the recording "take[s] on added resonance when delivered in her own warm, compelling voice".album review r10888 Jason Ankeny Writing for Pitchfork, Jenn Pelly argues that while Franklin's version remains the definitive one, King's carries "the bespoke power of a woman reckoning with her history in song", describing Franklin's as "glory" and King's as "an act of pure conviction".https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/carole-king-tapestry/ Carole King: Tapestry Pitchfork December 22, 2019 Pelly Jenn June 14, 2023 May 31, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230531004251/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/carole-king-tapestry/ live King also performed the song in concert during this period, often noting that audiences could consider her rendition in relation to the original demo recording she had created for Franklin. Mary J. Blige version (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman Blige Natural Woman.png yes single Mary J. Blige New York Undercover soundtrack 1995 8 22 2:56 Uptown MCA Gerry Goffin Carole King Jerry Wexler James Mtume I Love You 1995 Not Gon' Cry 1996 EBxk1Oq_ysE "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" American singer Mary J. Blige recorded a cover of "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" for the 1995 New York Undercover soundtrack. Produced by James Mtume, the single reached number 23 on the UK Singles Chart and number 95 in the United States. It was later included on international editions of her 1994 album My Life. The accompanying music video was directed by Brett Ratner. Formats and track listing US cassette single – UPTCS-55139 "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" – 2:56 "Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz" – 3:55 (performed by Lost Boyz) US CD single – UPTDS-55139 "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" – 2:56 "You Bring Me Joy" (E-Smoove's soul mix) – 5:22 US 12-inch single – UPT12 55152 "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" – 2:56 "You Bring Me Joy" (E-Smoove's soul mix) – 5:22 "You Bring Me Joy" (E-Smoove's funk mix) – 4:39 UK cassette single – MCSC 2108 "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" – 2:57 "Be Happy" (Puffy remix) – 4:40 UK 12-inch single – MCST 2108 / UK CD single – MCSTD 2108 "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" – 2:57 "Be Happy" (Puffy remix) – 4:40 "Mary's Joint" (Puffy remix) – 3:27 "Changes I've Been Going Through" (Teddy Riley remix) – 4:30 Charts + Chart performance Chart (1995–1996) Peakposition Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)Eurochart Hot 100 Singles https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1995/MM-1995-12-23.pdf Music & Media 12 51/52 December 23, 1995 9 October 25, 2025 February 21, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240221050656/https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1995/MM-1995-12-23.pdf live 97 Europe (European Dance Radio)https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-01-20.pdf#page=16 European Dance Radio Top 25 Music & Media 13 3 January 20, 1996 16 February 23, 2026 16Dutch40 36 1996 8 true May 20, 2015Dutch100 46 Mary J Blige (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman true May 20, 2015New Zealand 15 Mary J Blige (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman true May 20, 2015Scotland 61 19951210 true April 30, 2022UKsinglesbyname 23 Mary J Blige 3486 true Natural Woman May 20, 2015UKdance 7 19951210 true April 30, 2022UKrandb 4 19951210 true April 30, 2022Billboardhot100 95 Mary J. Blige true May 20, 2015Billboardrandbhiphop 39 Mary J. Blige true May 20, 2015Billboardrhythmic 40 Mary J. Blige true April 30, 2022 Release history + Release history Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref. Reference United States August 22, 1995 Rhythmic contemporary radio Uptown MCA https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1990s/1995/RR-1995-08-11.pdf Selected New Releases August 11, 1995 Radio & Records 33 August 4, 2025 May 7, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250507095645/https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1990s/1995/RR-1995-08-11.pdf live Australia November 20, 1995 CD New Releases – Product Available from : 20/11/95: Singles The ARIA Report 301 19 November 19, 1995 United Kingdom December 4, 1995 12-inch vinyl cassette CD New Releases: Singles Music Week 48 December 2, 1995 Misprinted as December 3 on source. The Albums section uses the correct date. Celine Dion version (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman promo Celine Dion Tapestry Revisited: A Tribute to Carole King 1995 10 1995 Chartmaker (Malibu) Hit Factory (New York) Record Plant (Los Angeles) Pop 3:40 Atlantic Gerry Goffin Carole King Jerry Wexler David Foster Audio lEnopltXosI "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" song Canadian singer Celine Dion recorded a cover of "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" for the tribute album Tapestry Revisited: A Tribute to Carole King, released on October 31, 1995.https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1995/BB-1995-10-21.pdf Lava Weaves a New 'Tapestry' Billboard 45 October 21, 1995 June 9, 2023 November 9, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241109211904/https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1995/BB-1995-10-21.pdf live Produced by David Foster, Dion's version was released as a promotional single in selected countries in October 1995.https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1990s/1995/RR-1995-10-13.pdf New & Active Radio & Records 64 October 13, 1995 June 9, 2023 May 30, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230530165531/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1990s/1995/RR-1995-10-13.pdf live Ron Rogers of RPM praised Dion's rendition, calling it "the gem of the gems".New Releases https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/RPM/90s/1995/RPM-1995-11-13.pdf RPM November 13, 1995 62 15 15 April 9, 2026 Gavin Report also responded positively, describing it as "the best single that's not gonna be a single" and noting that Dion "captures the Aretha Franklin magic with a scintillating performance that goes unchallenged on the remainder of the album".A/C Up & Coming Gavin Report 2075 October 13, 1995 28 April 10, 2026 https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Gavin-Report/90/95/Gavin-1995-10-13.pdf The song entered the Canadian charts, reaching number 47 on Top Singles and number four on Adult Contemporary. In the United States, it peaked at number nine on Radio & Recordss Adult Contemporary chart and number 31 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. In March 1996, "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" was included on the international editions of Dion's next studio album, Falling into You. In 2008, it appeared on the North American edition of her greatest hits album, My Love: Ultimate Essential Collection. Charts Weekly charts + Weekly chart performance Chart (1995–1996) PeakpositionCanada RPM 47 1738 September 3, 2014 Canada trueCanada RPM AC 4 1820 September 3, 2014 CanadaAC true UK Airplay (ERA)November 4, 1995 Radio Activity Hit Music https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Hit-Music/1995/Hit-Music-1995-11-04.pdf December 20, 2025 25 79Billboardadultcontemporary 31 Celine Dion true September 3, 2014 BillboardAC US Adult Contemporary (Radio & Records)https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1990s/1995/RR-1995-12-15.pdf AC Top 30 Radio & Records 56 December 15, 1995 June 10, 2023 9 Year-end charts + 1995 year-end chart performance Chart (1995) Position US Adult Contemporary (Radio & Records)https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1990s/1995/RR-1995-12-22.pdf AC - Top of 1995 Radio & Records 53 December 22, 1995 June 9, 2023 94 + 1996 year-end chart performance Chart (1996) Position Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)December 16, 1996 RPM Year End Top 100 Adult Contemporary Tracks RPM 64 18 https://recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/home/record?IdNumber=5399&app=rpm September 28, 2014 March 29, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190329015643/http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.9742&URLjpg=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2Fobj%2F028020%2Ff4%2Fnlc008388.9742.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.9742 live 53 US Adult Contemporary (Radio & Records)https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1990s/1996/R&R-1996-12-13.pdf Adult Contemporary - 96 of 1996 Radio & Records 70 December 13, 1996 June 9, 2023 66 VH1 Divas version On April 14, 1998, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Shania Twain, Gloria Estefan, and Carole King performed the song during the VH1 Divas concert at the Beacon Theatre in New York. The six vocalists were recruited by the Viacom-owned music network VH1 to raise money for Save the Music, the channel's education charity. Extensively promoted in the press, the event became a ratings success for VH1, leading to the release of the concert on disc and tape on October 6, 1998. At that time, "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman", performed by all six artists, was issued as a radio single in selected countries. It reached number nine on the airplay chart in Belgium's Wallonia on January 5, 1999.Jaspers Sam Ultratop 1995-2005 Book & Media Publishing 2006 90-5720-232-8 References Category:1967 singles Category:1967 songs Category:1995 singles Category:Aretha Franklin songs Category:Atlantic Records singles Category:Carole King songs Category:Celine Dion songs Category:Grammy Hall of Fame Award recipients Category:Mary J. Blige songs Category:MCA Records singles Category:Song recordings produced by Jerry Wexler Category:Songs with lyrics by Gerry Goffin Category:Songs written by Carole King Category:Songs written by Jerry Wexler Category:Soul ballads Category:Uptown Records singles