Global Notes: Aaron Cohen on Aretha Franklin’s ‘Amazing Grace’

By Julian Hayda
PEOPLE ARETHA FRANKLIN
In this Nov. 21, 2008 file photo, Aretha Franklin performs at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. A month after her Dec. 2, 2010, surgery in Detroit for an undisclosed ailment, Aretha Franklin says her health is "superb." Franklin called in to "The Wendy Williams Show," on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011, telling the host she was relaxing at a casino hotel in her hometown and hopes to begin traveling soon, saying she'll be "looking for a fabulous beach." She says she has two more weeks of down time as she continues her recovery. Shea Walsh / AP Photo
PEOPLE ARETHA FRANKLIN
In this Nov. 21, 2008 file photo, Aretha Franklin performs at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. A month after her Dec. 2, 2010, surgery in Detroit for an undisclosed ailment, Aretha Franklin says her health is "superb." Franklin called in to "The Wendy Williams Show," on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011, telling the host she was relaxing at a casino hotel in her hometown and hopes to begin traveling soon, saying she'll be "looking for a fabulous beach." She says she has two more weeks of down time as she continues her recovery. Shea Walsh / AP Photo

Global Notes: Aaron Cohen on Aretha Franklin’s ‘Amazing Grace’

By Julian Hayda
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Author, Aaron Cohen, believes that Aretha Franklin never recorded anything better, before or after, her 1972 Gospel album, “Amazing Grace”. One of her least known albums, “Amazing Grace” sold over 2 million copies, and transformed gospel music forever.  The album was recorded at a church in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts in a of Los Angeles, with a live community choir. A documentary of the “Amazing Grace” recording was shot over 46 years ago, Not until this week has the film been shown to the public. On today’s Global Notes, Worldview discusses the epic legacy of “Amazing Grace” with author Aaron Cohen. Cohen is the author of the book Aretha Franklin’s Amazing Grace. His forthcoming book is Move On Up: Chicago Soul Music and Black Cultural.