But Wolfs career and adventures in music didnt begin or end there.
His turbulent marriage to actress Faye Dunaway gets plenty of space too.
The track, Push, would ultimately be included on FranklinsWhos Zoomin Whoalbum.
Aretha Franklin and Peter Wolf in the studio recording Franklin’s single “Push” in May 1985 in Detroit.Ross Marino/Getty Images
Peter, Clive Davis.
Im having one of my A and R people call you tomorrow regarding a duet with Aretha Franklin.
A duet with Aretha Franklin?
That seemed as incongruous a combination as a nightingale harmonizing with an alley cat.
Pete, Ill send you the track.
Just live with it and Ill get back to you.
He sent the track: a well-played basic dance groove.
Michael persisted: Youd better have changed your mind.
We can cut it in any key, anything that will make you comfortable.
His final call came two days later.
I loved the idea of recording in Detroit; it was a spiritual second home to me.
The studio was lit with candles and incense sticks, and no smoking signs hung everywhere.
As we listened to the track, entitled Push, he explained the approach he envisioned.
Pete, when Aretha gets here tomorrow, this place will be on fire.
Pete, youre gonna do a song with Aretha?
Damn, it doesnt get better than that.
But look out she can be a tough one.
Aretha didnt like air-conditioning.
It was already a half hour past the time she was scheduled to show up.
An hour passed, then another, and I sensed Michael, too, was getting a bit nervous.
After five minutes, the taller of the two opened the door.
Out stepped the Queen of Soul in a full-length mink coat.
I ran to tell Michael that Aretha had arrived.
Michael waved me over for a formal introduction.
Aretha just nodded as she took off her mink and placed it on top of the baby grand piano.
She asked me where I lived and when I had arrived in Detroit.
What took me by surprise was her heavy British accent.
I answered her questions, trying hard not to show my bewilderment.
Aretha started singing some deep gospel licks that especially when heard up close were powerful and dramatic.
We both sang the chorus, and I joined in on the second verse.
After a long instrumental section, Aretha started ad-libbing in her British accent.
Darling, you are looking so well tonight.
The gown youre wearing makes you the belle of the ball, I replied.
Aretha started laughing so hard that she asked Michael to stop the tape and get her some water.
Shes imitating Joan Collins.
Aretha is a hugeDynastyfan and watches it every week without fail.
She obviously feels comfortable to be joking with you.
If something is bugging Aretha, shes not shy letting you know, thats for sure.
No milk and a dash of sugar.
I gladly offered to get it for her.
While I was in the lounge preparing the tea, the bodyguards were watching me.
The taller one asked, You look familiar.
Are you in a famous rock band or something?
Wait till I tell Aretha!
King Curtis was a highly talented and beloved musician who had led Sam Cookes band.
It was a tragedy that shook up the music industry and the soul world in particular.
When I returned with Arethas tea, she sat down on the piano bench.
Dropping the British accent, she asked, You knew Curtis?
We reminisced about all the great characters and artists who hung around the studio and offices of Atlantic.
When I mentioned that I wrote my first solo single with Don Covay, she really came to life.
What a character that man is.
I can sure use several more songs like that.
She reached into her handbag for cigarettes.
Seated right underneath a large no smoking sign, she lit up a Kool.
With a far-off look she said, King Curtis what a loss.
She turned around to the piano and opened the lid.
She started playing chords in a slow tempo, then began singing Little Willie Johns Talk to Me.
Her version was breathtaking.
Peter, I do miss them, but most of all Sam.
Oh, Sam he was my first love and will always be my first love.
She played a little while longer, caught up in the reverie.
It was powerful to hear her speak so intimately about Sam Cooke.
We returned to the microphones, and Aretha wailed.
Michael said, Try it once more, Re.
I think you got a better one in you.
