For Women’s History Month, I’m selecting some of my favorite songs from some of the most talented and influential women in music. From frontwomen to singer-songwriters to iconic performers, I’m picking one song a day on Mental Jukebox until the end of March.

Let’s kick things off with Aretha. The queen of soul gave us literally hundreds of memorable recordings, and her rendition of “Son of a Preacher Man” is one of my favorites. She didn’t write it, but it was written with her in mind. “Preacher Man” played perfectly to her vocal range and soulful swagger. Not to take anything away from Dusty Springfield’s version, but Aretha sung it like she lived it.

“Being good isn't always easy, no matter how hard I try.”