Category: Music

Aretha Franklin 1972 Performance Will Be Released: “Amazing Grace”

Aretha Franklin Amazing During two nights at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles in 1972, Aretha Franklin gave what many consider among her greatest performances. Director Sydney Pollack filmed Franklin over January 13 and 14 as she worked on creating her great live album Amazing Grace.

Fans have long hoped for the movie’s release. Now, the documentary, Amazing Grace is finally hitting theaters.

After the initial recording of the performances, audio problems prevented the film’s release. But producer Alan Elliott eventually finished the film. The movie originally was scheduled to hit theaters in 2015.  But then an issue about rights prevented the release.

Franklin’s estate, however, has made an agreement that will allow fans to see the film. Amazing Grace will have a limited theatrical release in November and December 2018 to qualify for the Best Documentary Oscar category. Check out the trailer below featuring the great Aretha Franklin.

The album Amazing Grace sold more than two million copies.  It became what was the best-selling gospel album of all time.

What is your favorite Aretha Franklin performance? Leave your two cents in the comments.

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    Song of the Day: “You Don’t Own Me”

    You Don't Own Me With all of the changes on the horizon in the 1960s, it should not be too surprising that a strong empowering song for women would be recorded by a 17-year-old. In December of 1963, Lesley Gore released “You Don’t Own Me.”

    The song was actually written by two men, John Madara and David White. But Gore’s power made it an instant classic about a young woman asserting herself in her relationship and reminding her significant other that she is going to be her own person.

    You don’t own me,
    Don’t try to change me in any way;
    You don’t own me,
    Don’t tie me down ’cause I’d never stay.

    “You Don’t Own Me,” however, did have to play second fiddle to a bunch of boys in one way. Gore’s song stalled at number two on the charts while The Beatles held the number one spot with “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”

    While both songs are two of the most joyous rock songs of all time, it is Gore’s recording that seems more timeless and timely. Gore also does an amazing job slowly building, building, building until the song explodes near the end.  Below, Gore sings “You Don’t Own Me” at the 1964 T.A.M.I show.

    Leave your two cents in the comments.

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    Song of the Day: Katie Cole’s “Graceland”

    Cole Graceland

    Singer-songwriter Katie Cole takes us to church in her new single, “Graceland.” Cole, who was born in Australia but now lives in Nashville, was inspired to write the song with co-writer Sam Brooker after a visit to Elvis Presley’s home.

    “Graceland” is in the voice of someone who has wronged their lover. Cole’s wonderful voice gives an emotional depth to the song, while sometimes a choir backs her up. Check it out.

    It’s a long road I’m on to get me here,
    When all the lights have gone out but the stars;
    So I’ll follow them, wherever they lead me dear,
    Far away, far away from your heart.

    “Graceland” is from Katie Cole’s EP, Things That Break, Pt. 1. We hope to hear more from her in the near future.

    Leave your two cents in the comments.

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    Jeff Tweedy Sings “Pecan Pie” from Bed for Charity

    Pecan Pie

    Wilco leader (and Uncle Tupelo legend) Jeff Tweedy recently performed the song “Pecan Pie” in a video for Bedstock, a music benefit sponsored by MyMusicRx for the Children’s Cancer Association. Bedstock features artists making videos of performances from bed in solidarity with ill children and teens. The event started in 2014.

    “Pecan Pie” first appeared on the album Down By The Old Mainstream (1995) by Golden Smog.  The band was a 1990s alt-country supergroup that included Tweedy.

    Tweedy performs a solo acoustic version of “Pecan Pie” in the video for Bedstock. Check out what is maybe the best love song that says so much about pies.

    And a piece of pecan pie,
    And you that’s all I want;
    Just a piece of pecan pie,
    And all I want is you.

    Tweedy will be releasing his memoir, Let’s Go (So We Can Get Back): A Memoir of Recording and Discording with Wilco, Etc., on November 13, 2018. Not long after that, he is releasing a solo album, Warm, on November 30, 2018.

    Leave your two cents in the comments.

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    Full Concert of Ray Charles in 1981

    Ray Charles Live

    If you never got to see Ray Charles live, you may find some solace in watching this outstanding complete performance from 1981. Apparently, Charles gave this performance at Edmonton’s Jubilee Auditorium on January 27, 1981. The show features the Edmonton Symphony backing up Charles.

    This video was originally released on laserdisc and videotape and entitled, An Evening With Ray Charles: With Sid Feller conducting the ITV Concert Orchestra.  The orchestra name in the title was another name used by the Edmonton Symphony, and conductor Sid Feller was well-known for his great work with Charles.

    After the opening song, “Riding Thumb,” the setlist includes songs such as “Busted,” “Georgia On My Mind,” “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” and “What’d I Say” before closing with “America the Beautiful.” 2024 UPDATE: Unfortunately, the entire concert video is no longer online, but you can check out Charles performing “Take These Chains From My Heart” from the same concert.

    Leave your two cents in the comments.

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