11/1/26 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Aretha Franklin – Mary Don’t You Weep (1972)

Mary, Don’t You Weep is a standout live recording by Aretha Franklin from her landmark 1972 double live gospel album, Amazing Grace. Recorded live in January 1972 at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, the performance features Reverend James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir. Continue reading

7/20/25 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Aretha Franklin – What a Friend We Have in Jesus (1972)

What a Friend We Have in Jesus was recorded in January 1972 at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles. Aretha Franklin (1942-2018) then 29 years old and Reverend James Cleveland (1932 – 1991) performed with Southern California Community Choir led by Reverend Dr. Alexander Hamilton (1945-2022). Continue reading

5/30/21 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Aretha Franklin – Amazing Grace ft. James Cleveland

 In 1972, Reverend James Cleveland collaborated with Aretha Franklin on her historic Grammy-winning and multi-million-selling album Amazing Grace, which is known as the Greatest Gospel Album of All Time. Recorded live at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Watts, California, with his Southern California Community Choir.
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