ARETHA FRANKLIN GIVES A MASTERCLASS IN GOSPEL

ARETHA FRANKLIN CONCERT DOCUMENTARY AMAZING GRACE IS WELL WORTH THE FOURDECADE WAIT,

OVER TWO NIGHTS in January 1972, Aretha Franklin recorded the live gospel album Amazing Grace at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles. A return to Franklin’s childhood roots as a gospel performer, the album – which also features her preacher father CL Franklin – remains the singer’s best-selling disc and the best-selling live gospel album of all time.

But the record’s success turned out to be only half the story. Director Sydney Pollack (Tootsie; Out of Africa) was hired to document the recording session, but the footage was shelved following a technical mishap. Producer Alan Elliott bought the footage and completed the film, but Franklin sued multiple times to prevent it from being seen unless she received a bigger fee – even though she reportedly loved the film. Months after the singer’s death in 2018, the Franklin family finally worked out a deal for the film’s release.

Amazing Grace shows the Queen of Soul at the peak of her power. Backed by the Reverend James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir, Franklin belts out magnificent performances of gospel staples, including a showstopping 10-minute rendition of the titular track. In case there was any doubt, Amazing Grace

shows why she was truly one of the greats.

Franklin in action and the audience’s passionate response – including a cameo from Mick Jagger, who was in town recording

Exile on Main St. – show what a momentous experience it was to be there. Amazing Grace

is a moving masterpiece that transcends genre, race and religion. Be sure to play it loud.