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

GOSPEL SUNDAY: Aretha Franklin- Amazing Grace

Aretha Franklin recorded Amazing Grace in January 1972 at the New Temple Missionary Baptish Church in Los Angeles. The Reverend James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir accompanied FranklinThis never-before-seen footage of Franklin’s legendary live-gospel-album recording is a profoundly moving and deeply soulful performance that transcends time.

Continue reading