media|timelessclassics|
Friday, July 24

" amazing grace" (1972) :
aretha franklin









Aretha Franklin "Amazing Grace" (1972)

Many of us know the Queen of Soul for her groundbreaking hits such as "Respect" and "Natural Woman" but wedged between these hits and subsequent number one singles such as "Angel", Aretha Franklin released the gospel album, Amazing Grace. The album sold nearly 2 million copies, and was easily the best selling gospel album of all time. The recording of the title track, "Amazing Grace", was done live in Los Angeles at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church on January, 13, 1972. A timeless classic not because it demonstrates Franklin's impeccable range and crowd-approved soul, this record stands out because it evokes the church tradition that produced many of our greatest artists, including Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Mahalia Jackson and Etta James to name a few. An example of what many termed 'gospel-soul', this record reminds us of a speical time. As a companion to her father, the late Rev. C.L. Franklin, Aretha's vocals captivated audiences as her father's words captured period of great struggle and triumph. For those born in my era, this is just a glimpse of it.