album · August 12, 1963

Laughing on the Outside

Aretha Franklin

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OKEHSee this day

r&bsoul

A collection of singles recorded for OKEH Records in 1962 and 1963, "Laughing on the Outside" showcases Franklin’s early work as she honed her unique blend of gospel, soul, and R&B. This album captures a pivotal moment in her development as a powerhouse vocalist.

• The title track, "Laughing on the Outside (Crying on the Inside)," was a minor hit for Franklin, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B chart. The album features backing musicians from the famed Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section on several tracks. "Laughing on the Outside" was reissued on CD in 1990 by Epic Records, with additional bonus tracks.
• The album was recorded at Bell Sound Studios in New York City and at Columbia's 30th Street Studio. Producers for these sessions included Bert Berns and Jerry Wexler. The album failed to chart on the Billboard 200.
• This album compiles tracks from Franklin's first two singles for OKEH: "Don't Play That Song (You Lied)" and "One More Time." "Laughing on the Outside" represented a departure from her previous jazz-oriented recordings for Columbia.

Aretha Franklin was an American singer-songwriter from Memphis, Tennessee, best known for her signature 1960s and 70s soul recordings. At the time of "Laughing on the Outside," Franklin was in the early stages of her career, having recently moved to OKEH Records after a stint with Columbia.