Aretha Franklin Singing "Amazing Grace"

6 Legendary Aretha Franklin Performances of "Amazing Grace" That We Won't Soon Forget

Aug 16 2018 by Corinne Sullivan

Though the legendary Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin had eight albums top the R&B charts, no album succeeded as well as her third live album, Amazing Grace, which was recorded over two nights in January 1972 at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in the Watts section of Los Angeles. Composed of traditional gospel songs reinterpreted, the album completely transformed gospel music, though no singles were ever released. To celebrate the life and the legacy of Franklin, we present to you the queen's most prominent performances of the titular hymn "Amazing Grace."

Image Source: Getty / Daniel Boczarski

1. The New Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 1972

Accompanied by Rev. James Cleveland on the piano, Franklin — who was already an international superstar — recorded her album Amazing Grace in front of a live congregation at a small church in Los Angeles; it would become her bestselling album, as well as the bestselling gospel record of all time.

2. Riverside Church, 2005

At R&B singer Luther Vandross's funeral in New York, Franklin performed "Amazing Grace" in tribute.

3. United Centre, 2011

Franklin made a surprise appearance during Oprah Winfrey's farewell show at the United Centre in Chicago.

4. Radio City Music Hall, 2014

After reports of failing health and cancelled shows, Franklin performed a two-night run at Radio City Music Hall in New York City to the delight of her fans.

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5. White House, 2014

Hosted by former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, Franklin performed as part of Women of Soul: In Performance at the White House, a PBS music special taped in the East Room of the White House, celebrating the great female leaders in American music.

6. Festival of Families, 2015

As part of the Vatican-sponsored World Meeting of Families, Franklin performed for Pope Francis in Philadelphia while backed by the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Philadelphia Heritage Chorale.