Chain of Fools
"Chain of Fools" is a song written by Don Covay. Aretha Franklin first released the song as a single in 1967 and subsequently it appeared on many of her albums. It hit number one on the Billboard Hot Rhythm & Blues chart and number two on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
History
Asked by Jerry Wexler, producer with Atlantic Records, to create songs for Otis Redding, Covay recorded a demo of "Chain of Fools", a song he had written in his youth while singing gospel with his brothers and sisters. The recording featured Covay singing and playing guitar, overdubbed with himself singing background.Listening to the demo, Wexler chose to place the song with Aretha Franklin rather than Redding. It became one of her chain of hit singles.
Reception
It reached number one on the U.S. R&B chart, staying there for four weeks. "Chain of Fools" also peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, behind "Judy in Disguise (With Glasses)" by John Fred & His Playboy Band. It won the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and later a Grammy [Hall of Fame Award]. In 2004, this song was ranked #249 on Rolling Stone's list of The [500 Greatest Songs of All Time]. The trademark tremolo guitar licks at the introduction were played by Joe South. The song was edited for LP & 45; the original long version appeared on the quadrophonic LP The [Best of Aretha Franklin] in 1973, and on the 1995 Rhino remastering of Lady Soul. Cash Box said that the song was "a smashing entry that will top both blues and pop charts" with "heavy rhythmic push, and an overwhelming vocal impact."Live recordings have appeared on the albums Aretha in Paris and VH1 Divas Live.
Personnel
- Aretha Franklin – lead vocals and piano
- Jimmy Johnson and Joe South – guitars
- Spooner Oldham – Wurlitzer electric piano
- Tommy Cogbill – bass
- Roger Hawkins – drums
- The Sweet Inspirations, Carolyn Franklin, Erma Franklin & Ellie Greenwich – background vocals
Chart positions
| Chart | Peak position |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 2 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot Rhythm & Blues | 1 |
| RPM Magazine Top 100 | 4 |
| UK Singles Chart | 37 |
| US Cashbox Top 100 | 1 |
Notable cover versions
- In 1969, Finnish jazz singer Carola tried out rhythm & blues, recording a television video of "Chain of Fools". The tongue-in-cheek choreography by Heikki Värtsi included girl group dancing and Carola whipping a man in a cave.
- Cynthia Erivo and Jennifer Hudson each covered the song as Aretha Franklin, respectively, for the miniseries Genius: Aretha and the biographical film Respect.