<P> `` Respect '' is a song written and originally released by American recording artist Otis Redding in 1965 . The song became a 1967 hit and signature song for R&B singer Aretha Franklin . The music in the two versions is significantly different , and through a few changes in the lyrics , the stories told by the songs have a different flavor . Redding 's version is a plea from a desperate man , who will give his woman anything she wants . He wo n't care if she does him wrong , as long as he gets his due respect when he brings money home . However , Franklin 's version is a declaration from a strong , confident woman , who knows that she has everything her man wants . She never does him wrong , and demands his `` respect '' . Franklin 's version adds the `` R-E-S-P-E-C-T '' chorus and the backup singers ' refrain of `` Sock it to me , sock it to me , sock it to me ... '' . </P>
<P> `` Respect '' is a song written and originally released by American recording artist Otis Redding in 1965 . The song became a 1967 hit and signature song for R&B singer Aretha Franklin . The music in the two versions is significantly different , and through a few changes in the lyrics , the stories told by the songs have a different flavor . Redding 's version is a plea from a desperate man , who will give his woman anything she wants . He wo n't care if she does him wrong , as long as he gets his due respect when he brings money home . However , Franklin 's version is a declaration from a strong , confident woman , who knows that she has everything her man wants . She never does him wrong , and demands his `` respect '' . Franklin 's version adds the `` R-E-S-P-E-C-T '' chorus and the backup singers ' refrain of `` Sock it to me , sock it to me , sock it to me ... '' . </P>
who sang the song respect before aretha franklin
who sang the song respect before aretha franklin
American recording artist Otis Redding
American recording artist Otis Redding