The Queen of Soul is immortal and the new documentary “Amazing Grace” which opens April 5, will make you feel like you’ve walked back in time to 1972, the year they filmed the concert.
God’s spirit enveloped the California African American Museum as Los Angeles came out for a gospel music tribute to the legendary Aretha Franklin on Aug. 30. The “Queen of Soul” passed away in Detroit, Michigan on Aug. 16. The two-hour event, organized by L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and gospel music broadcaster Quaford Coleman, attracted more than 2,000 people who filled the museum’s interior and overflowed to hundreds outside the facility. In both places, the audience clapped, sang and shouted throughout the joyous celebration. Highlighting the tribute were selected songs from Aretha’s “Amazing Grace” album, which she recorded in 1972
The passing of the legendary Aretha Franklin on August 16, prompted scores of admirers – from recording artists to musicians to U.S. presidents – to offer tributes and memories of her impact on the world. But before she became known as “The Queen of Soul,” Aretha was a strong believer in God and expressed her faith through her music. The Rev. Dr. Melvin V. Wade, Sr., pastor emeritus of Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Los Angeles, was close to Aretha’s father, the Rev. C.L. Franklin, and remembered that the singer had strong faith even as a child. “She was raised