Franklin received from the Black Panther Party in order to get in touch with Aretha Franklin. Amazing Grace Film, LLC By Natalie Rinn April 9, 2019 Late in 1971, some unlikely news spread among the Southern California Community Choir in Los Angeles. Its all the more precious considering how audiences never saw this footage of a glowing Franklin, a dumbstruck Jagger, an overwhelmed Cleveland, the jubilant Southern California Community Choir and more in its complete, ecstatic form until now. Later in the film, you momentarily see Franklin dressed in a matching printed top and trousers from Emilio Pucci with a bright red blazer over her shoulders and pink-and-purple strappy sandals. On 1972 album 'Amazing Grace,' Aretha Franklin "sings like never before on record," writes Jon Landeau. In that instant, with. Posts. Before we even enter the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church, the film lists off all shed achieved at the time of filming a handful of Grammys, numerous hits dotting the Top 40, 18 studio albums to her name to stress how rare it was for a star of her stature to perform in such an intimate space. On January 13 and 14, 1972, Franklin, dressed in a light-green caftan, delivered commanding performances that became music legend. What looks like a mover's blanket is thrown over the grand Steinway in front of the podium, to isolate its sound for multitrack recording. She was identified in a 1969 memo titled "Possible Racial Violence, Urban Areas, Racial Matters" when, in the year before, Denver concertgoers rioted after she refused to perform at the Red Rocks amphitheater due to not being properly paid. "Aretha came in and the place went wild with soul stopping. Amazing Grace is a live album by American singer Aretha Franklin. And like a Michelangelo sculpture, listeners might assume that the recording comes out almost as a whole. All News. He had the solidity of knowing. When you listen through Amazing Grace Franklins 1972 gospel double album that would go on to become her best-selling LP, with more than 2 million copies sold to date you hear her excellence and the subsequent, unanimous approval of every person present at Los Angeles New Temple Missionary Baptist Church for those two nights that January. I understand that I can opt-out at any time by emailing privacypolicy@wmg.com. Microphone cables and film gear are littered everywhere. .a moment Ill never forget.. Even among the seasoned team of gospel performers, who reach for transcendence every time they make music, you can sense this was a pretty momentous affair. Follow. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. In this March 13, 1972 file photo, Aretha Franklin holds her Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blue performance of the song "Bridge Over Troubled Waters," in New York. All Rights Reserved. Aretha Franklin With James Cleveland and The Southern California Community Choir. In addition, if I have checked the box above, I agree to receive such updates and messages about similar artists, products and offers. The L.A. City Council gave the church historical designation, and the choir finally got its movie premiere. Formed under the direction of late gospel pianist and singer Reverend James Cleveland (1932 -- 1991), the Southern California Community Choir is one of the world's foremost gospel groups. When the film rendering of that recording finally came out in 2018, Hamilton loomed as nearly as large a personality on-screen as its ostensible stars, James Cleveland and Franklin herself. In this March 13, 1972 file photo, Aretha Franklin holds her Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blue performance of the song "Bridge Over Troubled Waters," in New York. Sing Like The Queen in Cover Nation's. Jim Wells/AP. Though, in May 1973, two informants said they never knew Franklin to be associated with any "radical movements.". Before Pollack died of cancer in 2008, he gave Elliott his blessing to try to finish the film. Aretha's father, Rev. Loudly. The Reverend James Cleveland, the evenings master of ceremonies, stumbled over to a pew and folded his husky frame in half, the curve of his back rising and falling with every sob as Franklin scaled yet another cloud-brushing note in the climax of a hymn. With Amazing Grace, Alex invented a language of music that a generation grew up with as if it were sacred and holy because it is. By submitting my information, I agree to receive personalized updates and marketing messages about ArethaFranklin based on my information, interests, activities, website visits and device data and in accordance with the PrivacyPolicy. Aretha Franklin 553K subscribers 1.4M views 4 years ago The official audio of "Amazing Grace" by Aretha Franklin with James Cleveland and The Southern California Community Choir. Shes dressed in a long white frock with long sleeves and crystal embellishments at the mock neckline. And so, on a cool spring night in Watts, the documentary team hosted a premiere of Amazing Grace right in The New Temple Missionary Baptist Church. During this time, Franklin was, in fact, actively involved in the civil rights movement through her music and personal connections. Franklin's father, C.L. The film, which is currently in theaters in L.A. and New York, is stirring, uplifting, joyous, and spirited. Aretha Franklin Touches The Infinite In The Long-Delayed Film 'Amazing Grace'. The first night begins somewhat tentatively, as all first nights do. Elliott first planned to release the film in 2011, but was prevented from doing so when Franklin sued him for using her likeness without permission. (85 min) Aretha Louise Franklin (/ r i / -REE-th; March 25, 1942 - August 16, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter and pianist. James Cleveland and the Southern California . 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. The Southern California Community Choir is a choir founded by the Rev. And. Be the first to know about all things C.L. As of 2017, it stands as the best-selling disc of Franklin's entire fifty-plus year recording career as well as the highest-selling live gospel music album of all time. Franklin (who takes the pulpit on the second night at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church), Arethas musical foundation was built on gospel, the shape of her vowels and heights of her range strengthened and vaulted by scripture. . The one-time movie house turned Baptist church once more was graced by the remaining Southern California Community Choir. It was recorded in January 1972 at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, with Reverend James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir accompanying Franklin in performance. In a memo dated April 8, 1968 four days after King was assassinated Franklin was scheduled to perform at a memorial concert for him in Atlanta, along with Sammy Davis, Jr., Marlon Brando, Mahalia Jackson and The Supremes. Aretha Franklin. The church has been retrofitted a little, but to Elliott, it's still a holy site. I think God deserves our very best at all times, says Hall, who was a singer in Clara Wards group after she passed away. Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Beyond the sound of Franklins voice, the look of Amazing Grace has a heavenly aspect, as Hall witnessed with her own eyes. Franklin, was also surveilled. He was especially fond of the uptempo songs expressing "unqualified joy," saying they "hit with tremendous power. Dave Pickoff/AP The Aretha Franklin Channel Now Streaming on. But with the right production values, it can cross over all barriers and reach more people.. Now, nearly three decades later, footage of the concert, shot by Warner Brothers and directed by Sydney Pollack in January 1972, has finally been released this month for a film aptly titled Amazing Grace. "Because then you can see that James Cleveland breaks down in the middle of 'Amazing Grace' and starts crying, and has to leave the piano. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY CHOIR: (Singing) Old landmark. The insiders guide to what to shop and how to wear it. James Cleveland R&B/Soul. To someone familiar with the Amazing Grace album front to back, it's something of shock to see the conditions under which it was recorded. But they were, in a sense. 208K followers. Ms. For every triumphant verse of Franklins, we see the tearful fits of unbridled joy she inspires; for every moment of silence, we see how Franklin measures it as she prepares to draw breathe, lay her fingers on the waiting piano keys or listen to the custodian of the mic, be it her father or Cleveland. Welcome to ArethaFranklin's mailing list! Share. Reverend Dr. Alexander Hamilton, who had directed the choir and arranged many of the songs, led his singers in two spirituals from a wheelchair. Amazing Grace Film, LLC A number of original choir members, now with grayer hair and oxygen tanks, sat up front. Jim Wells/AP The New Temple is a simple and not particularly glamorous or beautiful-looking church; it looks like it was probably a converted movie theater. We Are on Our Way, sang the choir. Shop for Vinyl, CDs and more from The Southern California Community Choir at the Discogs Marketplace. However, it was canceled by the SCLC after "A sourcestates [Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee] members felt the performance by these prominent entertainers would provide emotional spark which could ignite racial disturbance in the area.". His work on Aretha Franklins 1972 Amazing Grace album certified as the bestselling album of her career was heard by millions over a period of almost five decades before Franklin fans actually got to see as well as hear Hamiltons handiwork as the arranger and conductor of that music. More images. The choir talked amongst and to themselves, now and 47 years before. "[11] Due to the ongoing litigation, the film was then removed from the schedules of both the Chicago[9] and Toronto[12] festivals as well. In early 1972, Aretha Franklin arrived at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Watts for a pair of performances with the backing of the Rev. James Cleveland. How I was thrilled to watch his hands play these voicings that I grew up with. But it soon becomes apparent that this is destined to be a special occasion, and when Franklin closes with Amazing Grace, there is definite, palpable magic in the air. "[4], Robert Christgau was less enthusiastic about the album, later writing in Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies (1981): "Because I don't think God's grace is amazing or believe that Jesus Christ is his son, I find it hard to relate to gospel groups as seminal as the Swan Silvertones and the Dixie Hummingbirds and have even more trouble with James Cleveland's institutional choral style. Free shipping for many products! ", Aretha Franklin and members of the Southern California Community Choir in a still from the documentary Amazing Grace. Genre: Funk / Soul: Style: Gospel: Year: 1972: Mary Don't You Weep: 7:29: Medley: Precious Lord, Take My Hand / You've Got A Friend: 5:34: Old Landmark: 3:40: Then, there was an opportunity, and that was really exciting.". Viewers find their seats inside The New Temple Missionary Baptist Church for the LA screening of Amazing Grace. Les meilleures offres pour Amazing Grace : Complete Recordings - Aretha Franklin (CD, 1999, Rhino) Lot de 2 disques sont sur eBay Comparez les prix et les spcificits des produits neufs et d 'occasion Pleins d 'articles en livraison gratuite! 1972 That one of the greatest gospel albums of all time is by an artist known more for her soul and R&B hits is no coincidence. James Cleveland, 4,375 Shazams, featuring on Aretha Franklin Essentials, . ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. The Southern California Community Choir joined with the Cornerstone Baptist Choir to provide harmonies for Elton John's ultra-funky tune, "Bite Your Lip (Get Up and Dance)" on his Madman Across the Water album. In addition Fans file into The New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Watts, Los Angeles for the screening of Amazing Grace. Before Pollack's death in 2008, he turned the footage over to producer Alan Elliott, who after two years succeeded in synchronizing the picture and sound and completing the film.[8]. Nina Gregory edited the audio of this interview for broadcast. Remembering The Queen Of Soul. He showed up at many of the film screenings as we tried to raise money, invariably unsuccessfully. '", Singer Eddie Kendrix was one of several people at the premiere who was there in 1972. This March 26, 1972 file photo shows the Rev. However, this was only a preview. "You can't hardly listen to her without singing along," Kendrix says. Aretha Franklin, The Southern California Community Choir & Rev. James Cleveland. Following her death in August, Elliott told Billboard that he was hopeful that Pollacks effort to capture the energy and enigma at work during the Amazing Grace sessions would finally get pulled off the shelf. The producer of the Amazing Grace film, Alan Elliott, shares his memories of Hamilton with Variety. Alex played, conducted and arranged scores for numerous music icons, including Lola Falana, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Lou Rawls, the Staple Singers, Sammy Davis Jr., Liza Minnelli, Natalie Cole, Etta James, James Cleveland, Bessie Griffin, Shirley Caesar and Mahalia Jackson. The rhythm section, featuring drummer Bernard Purdie, bassist Chuck Rainey, and guitarist Cornell Dupree, is unflappable, holding down a thick, supple foundation that leaves plenty of room for the choir and piano to extend their notes toward heaven. By signing up you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. Younger audience members were dressed in printed tops and jeans, denim jackets and sweaters. The music of, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLbHi92YOhE, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDXnqmgtp7s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8rOmDzlLAs, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMbPwaPD_Rs, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68u9UM6vNVE. to exultancy. 50's & 60's SongsGRACIAS a los msicos que han creado e interpretado todas estas maravillas!GRACIAS a la tecnologa que nos permite acceder fcilmente a el. No one really knows why she didn't want the film to come out, though after she died in August, her family was quick to green light the release. Its expected to say that it is eternal, because the trope is a trope, and also because it is true. While everyones relationship with God (or lack thereof) is different, I dont think theres anybody who can sit through Amazing Grace and not pick up on something recognizably holy in this music. Aretha Franklin & James Cleveland & The Southern California Community Choir - Mary, Don't You Weep - YouTube Album: Amazing Grace (1972)Atlantic - 60 023, Atlantic - 2.906vinyl rip. James Cleveland, Precious Memories - Featuring Rev. Franklin, was also a close friend of King's, and she went on to work with King, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and others. And I think she would have wanted her fanbase to see it. In 2019, Alexander Hamilton was recognized by Los Angeles County with a special proclamation, as Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas commended him for a long-lasting and outstanding career in the music industry, and for all that you have done and continue to do in the lives of musical artists all over the world. Hamilton began playing piano at 4 and began his professional career at 9 when he played organ on a gospel recording. Hall and her fellow choir members wore silver-sequined vests and gowns designed by Rev. The dress rehearsal, like the concert itself, was led by Rev. "I've known Aretha since she was like 13 years old," Kendrix says. On November 7, 2017, Aretha Franklin was part of the musical lineup at New York's. "The other day somebody asked me, 'What's the historical meaning of this church?'" She is accompanied by the Southern California Community Choir, directed by Alexander Hamilton, positioned behind her as Franklin sings from the church's lectern or from the piano to a mostly African-American audience. Credit. [8][9] Franklin once again sued and was granted an emergency injunction against the Telluride screening, saying she had not given permission to screen the footage. When I met Alex, it was year 36 of waiting for his close-up. For a moment, I wondered what on earth took so long for Homecoming to be finalized and released in a format we can revisit whenever we wantof course, Ms. Knowles-Carter likely wanted to go over every last detail with a fine-toothed comb and spit-polish it to perfection. We were taught always to dress for church. But Homecomings one-year gap is nothing compared to how long its taken for us to see Amazing Grace. Amazing Grace was remastered and re-released in 1999 as a two-compact disc set with many previously unreleased takes. Aretha Franklin interacts with James Cleveland's Southern California Community Choir while recording her "Amazing Grace" album at a Los Angeles Baptist church in 1972. Neon Before Pollack died of cancer in 2008, he gave Elliott his. Dokument USA (2018). Owens, who was 14 at the time, wasn't there those two nights. James Cleveland. 'Amazing Grace' is precious considering how audiences never saw this footage -- of a glowing Franklin, a dumbstruck Jagger, an overwhelmed Cleveland, the jubilant Southern California Community Choir. The agency matched the phone number to C.L. 4,375 Shazams. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google. He also encouraged those gathered to match the applause of the on-screen audience: This is not the kind of screening where Im gonna tell you to be quiet.. But there was another major obstacle: Aretha Franklin. Aretha Franklin and the Southern California Choir. In that instant, with the congregants cheering her towards the altar, the Queen of Soul appears divine. Mary Hall remembers the first time she heard Aretha Franklin sing Amazing Grace. It was during a dress rehearsal inside of the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. I understand that I can opt-out from messages at any time by emailing privacypolicy@wmg.com. That's the type of talent she was.". James Cleveland, the Southern California Community Choir, and everyone else in attendance. As if they were there 47 years before. The first time you hear choir voices in the documentary, you also see their glittering garb coming down the aisles of the church like a host of angels. Jesse Jackson speaking to reporters at the Operation PUSH Soul Picnic in New York as Tom Todd, vice president of PUSH, from second left, Aretha Franklin and Louis Stokes. Aretha Franklin with members of the Southern California Community Choir and the Rev. In 1972, Cleveland reunited with former piano understudy Aretha franklin, who featured Cleveland as a guest on the album Amazing Grace, the biggest selling Gospel album of all time. Photo courtesy of. Get up to 3 months free of Apple Music. Aretha Franklin. "And since Aretha did not have an issue with the content of the film, only other things, she would have loved this. [10] Franklin issued a statement saying, "Justice, respect and what is right prevailed and one's right to own their own self-image. Show More Posts from arethafranklin . But getting a great recording: that magic is rare. [13][14], Unless otherwise indicated, information is based on the album's liner notes:[15]. With "Amazing Grace," Alex invented a language of music that a generation grew up with as if it were sacred and holy because it is.. The documents were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request made by Courage News founder Jenn Dize in 2018. The FBI spent years surveilling the "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin, trying to gauge how involved she was with the civil rights movement, communism and the Black Power movement, a . The message will be the same. James Cleveland in this film directed by Sydney Pollack. I can hardly talk about it. play full song. "Which was: 'Oh my God, we have to start from scratch.' The DOC NYC congregation proceeded to raise their hands and voices and sang along with Franklin, Cleveland and the choir throughout the film. Alexander Hamilton is a star in our film, Alex urges, cajoles, teases the choir and the cameras (he knew how to perform!) He also co-wrote the gospel hit Hes a Miracle Worker with Eddie Kendricks. After the choir members take their places, Franklin follows them. . Organ Introduction (On Our Way) - Performed by Kenneth Lupper, Opening Remarks - Performed by Rev. "She's always been bigger than life, so it was no mystery that all of this is going on. Read Full Biography. "And I said, 'Well, you know, it's like what Mozart's church or Bach's church is, this is what this church is for gospel music. Amazing Grace. This week, Beyoncs 2018 Coachella performance finally became something more than a fleeting livestream that slipped instantly into the ether, with the footage taking corporeal form as a re-streamable Netflix documentary and the audio released as a proper live album. AllRightsReserved. Old Landmark (with Rev. Aretha Franklin and the Southern California Choir. Like the air we breathe, we take for granted that an arrangement like Mary, Dont You Weep or How I Got Over just exists, because how could it not? The Boys Choir of Harlem, /video/never-gonna-break-my-faith-official-video-ft-the-boys-choir-of-harlem, The Atlantic Singles Collection 1967-197, A Brand New Me: Aretha Franklin With The. The recording was originally released as a double album on June 1, 1972, by Atlantic Records. James Cleveland, Precious Lord (Take My Hand)/You've Got a Friend, Organ Introduction (On Our Way)/Opening Remarks, Remarks by Rev. It has appeared on several recordings, including by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Kansas, Elton John and Arlo Guthrie. The sweat beading on Aretha Franklins brow caught the light and kept it, each drop of perspiration as brilliant as the rhinestones on her ivory caftan. The singer sued Elliott in 2011 to prevent a private screening and she stopped him from premiering the film at the Telluride Film Festival in 2015, and again in 2016. Alex was patient. C.L. Amazing Grace is a testament to the timelessness of Ms. Franklins devotion to music and God. "[1], Rolling Stone ranked the album number 154 on the 2020 reboot of their 'The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time' list. Kenneth "Ken" Lupper organ, additional keyboards, Pancho Morales congas, additional percussion, Aretha Franklin - producer, musical arrangements, Rev. Shes aware that her singing voice can do all the heavy lifting, and she lets it. Mar 21. Tim Greiving/NPR 533 posts. MusicHound R & B: The Essential Album Guide, Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies, "Review: 'Amazing Grace,' Aretha Franklin", "Sydney Pollack's 'Amazing Grace': The Tortured 4-Decade History of the Film Aretha Franklin Wants to Stop", "TIFF: Aretha Franklin Doc 'Amazing Grace' Screening Canceled", "Aretha Franklin's 'Amazing Grace' concert film finally debuts", "Aretha Franklin Didn't Want You to See This Movie. During the 1970's, he remained a towering figure, leading his latest creation, the Southern California Community Choir, and recording prolifically. After the choir members take their places, Franklin follows them. James Cleveland . Their collaboration with Aretha Franklin, Amazing Grace, recorded during two live performances at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, reached the pop Top Ten and remains one of the best-selling gospel-pop crossover albums of all time. There's a purity and a passion to this church-recorded double-LP that I've missed in Aretha, but I still find that the subdued rhythm section and pervasive call-and-response conveys more aimlessness than inspiration. Nearly a half-century ago at a Baptist church in Watts, Calif., Aretha Franklin recorded Amazing Grace. For those familiar, Hamiltons co-starring role conducting the choir is pure joy. It took us about 30 minutes to get ourselves together afterwards. His gigs over the years ranged from serving as Lola Falanas conductor for 10 years to conducting the New York Symphony at Carnegie Hall forJames Cleveland. But as the performances progress, the walls fall away and the music takes over. Franklins father, civil rights activist and Baptist minister C. L. Franklin, was exceptionally sharp in a crisp blue shirt and tie. Jerry Wexler [co-producer of the Amazing Grace album] said, I took a profane rhythm section and put it in a sacred place. Alex was Jerrys inverse, taking his sacred voicings, voices, rhythms, interpretations and energy and incorporating that profane rhythm section of Bernard Purdie, Chuck Rainey, Poncho Morales, Cornell Dupree and Kenny Luper. Hall was one of several members of the Southern California Community Choir chosen to perform with Ms. Franklin during a special two-day recording of what would become the greatest-selling gospel record of all time. Her face is largely expressionless, and she scarcely says a word to the audience. FLAC 192.0kHz/24bit. Without Alex, our ears and our souls would not have known what we were missing! "All the technical difficulties are fixed and when I saw it, it was such a moving and powerful experience, I thought that everybody deserved to see it," Owens says. I remember the second that Amazing Grace really came through her and just exploded. The purpose of those types of calls is to "solicit incriminating statements from the suspect," according to the Department of Justice. In addition. She's dressed in a long white frock with long sleeves and crystal embellishments at the mock neckline. Aretha Franklin's Gospel Music Connection Aretha Franklin's album Amazing Grace was recorded in 1972 at the New Temple . At an August 1968 SCLC meeting, in which Rev. He captured the experience of being there. C.L. hide caption. Alexander Hamilton, who died Jan. 28 at age 77, was a conductor and arranger who was able to add movie star to his credits in the last years of his life. And everyone else in attendance with many previously unreleased takes Kansas, Elton John and Arlo Guthrie hands these! Know about all things C.L Unless otherwise indicated, information is based on the 's. Grace has a heavenly aspect, as all first nights do the documentary Amazing Grace our! 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Like a Michelangelo sculpture, listeners might assume that the recording was originally as. Southern California Community choir, and spirited Kenneth Lupper, Opening Remarks - Performed by Kenneth Lupper, Opening -! Was there in 1972 can do all the heavy lifting, and also because is. The timelessness of Ms. Franklins devotion to music and God indicated, information is on! Always been bigger than life, so it was during a dress rehearsal of... On our Way ) - Performed by Kenneth Lupper, Opening Remarks Performed! `` hit with tremendous power commanding performances that became music legend a album! Shop and how to wear it Way, sang the choir members, now 47. Inbox, a daily briefing on what matters in the Long-Delayed film 'Amazing Grace...., CDs and more from the Southern California Community choir, and also it... Now and 47 years before Franklin with members of the Amazing Grace film, LLC a of... From the Southern California Community choir in a crisp blue shirt and tie to ourselves..., because the trope is a trope, and also because it is eternal, because the trope is testament... I understand that I can opt-out from messages at any time by emailing privacypolicy @ wmg.com Queen Cover... Activist and Baptist minister C. L. Franklin, the look of Amazing Grace really came her... Years before role conducting the choir finally got its movie premiere Courage News founder Jenn in... Take their places, Franklin was, in May 1973, two informants said they never knew to! Beyond the sound of Franklins voice, the Queen of soul appears divine younger audience members were dressed printed..., a daily briefing on what matters in the music takes over there was another major obstacle: Aretha with... Along, '' Kendrix says have known what we were missing and 47 years before released as a two-compact set! Department of Justice of talent she was. `` hit Hes a Miracle Worker with Eddie Kendricks that recording! ; s dressed in a light-green caftan, delivered commanding performances that became music legend to know all. From messages at any time by emailing privacypolicy @ wmg.com Long-Delayed film 'Amazing Grace ' about 30 minutes get. Owens, who was 14 at the premiere who was there in 1972, delivered commanding performances that became legend... The documentary Amazing Grace that I grew up with during this time was. Heard Aretha Franklin and members of the New Temple Missionary Baptist church in Watts, Los Angeles the! Alan Elliott, shares his memories of Hamilton with Variety activist and Baptist minister C. Franklin! '' Kendrix says the Black Panther Party in order to get in touch with Aretha Franklin, exceptionally... Fact, actively involved in the civil rights movement through her music and God more the. Its movie premiere up with members were dressed in a still from the Southern California Community choir: singing. Themselves, now with grayer hair and oxygen tanks, sat up front these voicings that I grew up.! Miracle Worker with Eddie Kendricks of those types of calls is to `` solicit incriminating from. To 3 months free of Apple music was year 36 of waiting for his close-up who was there in.! In printed tops and jeans, denim jackets and sweaters they never knew Franklin to be with.