Name That Tune (R&B/Soul Version) Quiz

Answer: Respect

"Respect" was written and originally recorded by Otis Redding. For the purpose of this quiz it is the Aretha Franklin recording that is utilized. With Redding's permission Aretha flipped the gender of the lyrics. Her version showed the declarations of a strong and confident woman, and she released the song in 1967.

In many corners of the music industry it is considered one of the greatest songs of all-time. The complete first line of lyrics are, "Hey, what you want?".

Answer: My Girl

"My Girl" was released in 1964 as a single by The Temptations. It was written by Smokey Robinson and fellow member of the group, The Miracles, Ronald White. It was the first song featuring David Ruffin as lead vocalist, and was written with his specific vocal style in mind.

As Smokey said, "Ruffin's voice is mellow but gruff". The complete first line of lyrics are, "I got sunshine on a cloudy day".

Answer: (Sittin on) The Dock of the Bay

"(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay" was released as a single by Otis Redding in 1968. It was written by Redding and Steve Cropper (guitarist in the band Booker T. and the MGs). Otis had just gotten done giving his iconic performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, and was staying on a houseboat in Sausalito, California. Sausalito sits on the San Francisco Bay.

The entire experience helped spawn the idea for the song. The complete first line of lyrics are, "Sittin' in the mornin' sun".

Answer: The Tracks of my Tears

"The Tracks of my Tears" was released as single in 1965 by the group The Miracles. Members Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, and Marv Tarplin were given songwriting credits. It is described as a "slow shufflin R&B tearjerker about a girl who has several regrets about losing her guy". Marv Tarplin's guitar intro to the song are some of the most recognizable guitar licks of all-time.

The complete first line of lyrics are, "People say I'm the life of the party".

Answer: What's Going On

"What's Going On" was released in 1971 on the 11th studio album by Marvin Gaye. It was written by Marvin, Al Cleveland, and Four Tops member Renaldo Benson. The song is a culmination of their thoughts about the Vietnam War, anti-war protests, and the Watts Riots.

When Gaye presented the idea of a protest album to Motown Record Executive Berry Gordy, Gordy scoffed at it, and said it was ridiculous. Marvin went on to produce the record himself on the Tamla label. The complete first line of lyrics are, "Mother, Mother there's too many of you crying".

Answer: Let's Stay Together

"Let's Stay Together" was released in 1971 on the fourth studio album by Al Green. It was written by Green, Willie Mitchell, and Terry Manning. The song was almost not released, as Al hated the thin sound of his voice on the recording, and did not think the song would be a hit.

His producer and fellow songwriter Willie Mitchell lobbied hard for the song, and eventually won the debate. The complete first line of lyrics are, "I'm so in love with you".

Answer: Midnight Train to Georgia

"Midnight Train to Georgia" was released in 1973 on the 11th studio album by Gladys Knight and the Pips. It was written by Jim Weatherly. The original title was "Midnight Plane to Houston". Weatherly was friends with T.V. stars Lee Majors and Farrah Fawcett at the time.

He was talking to Farrah on the phone and she was talking about catching a midnight plane to Houston, and thus the title was born. He sent the song to gospel singer Cissy Houston (mother of future superstar Whitney Houston). With Weatherly's consent the title was changed to "Midnight Train to Georgia".

He also sent the song to Gladys Knight who stuck with the title change. The complete first line of lyrics are, "L.A. proved too much for the man".

Answer: Lean on Me

"Lean on Me" was released in 1972 on the second studio by Bill Withers. It was written by Withers, as well. It is one of only a handful of songs to reach number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart with recordings by two different artists (the group Club Nouveau took it to number one in 1987).

While living in Los Angeles, California he was missing his hometown of Slab Fork, West Virginia. That longing for small town camaraderie is what inspired this song. The complete first line of lyrics are, "Sometimes in our lives".

Answer: Stand By Me

"Stand By Me" was released as a single in 1961 by The Drifters' frontman Ben E. King. He went solo with the song after fellow Drifters members didn't want to record the song. King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller wrote the song, and as a trio did so under the pseudonym Elmo Glick.

The song went to number four on the U.S. Billboard charts, and 25 years later went to number nine on those same charts. This resurgence coincided with its use as the theme song in the 1986 movie of the same name. The complete first line of lyrics are, "When the night has come".

Answer: I Got You

"I Got You (I Feel Good)" was released in 1965 on the ninth studio album by James Brown, and was written by "The Godfather of Soul", himself. It was his highest charting song. It demonstrates Brown's developing Funk style through the use of a brass heavy instrumental arrangement. The complete first line of lyrics are, "Whoa! I feel good. I knew that I would now".