How about stepping back to January 1972 when Aretha Franklin stood here? This is the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church. It’s more than just a building. This unassuming corner in South Central Los Angeles holds a special place in music history.
The New Temple Missionary Baptist Church was the venue for Aretha Franklin’s live album, “Amazing Grace”. Imagine the atmosphere. This wasn’t just a concert. It was a religious service. Reverend James Cleveland advised the congregation to respect the church. He also told them to let the spirit move them.
The recording became a double album released in June 1972. “Amazing Grace” was a hit. It sold over two million copies in the United States. Aretha Franklin won the 1973 Grammy Award for Best Soul Gospel Performance. It remains her best-selling album and the top-selling live gospel album ever.
The recording sessions spanned two evenings. Warner Bros. wanted to capture the magic. They hired Sydney Pollack. He was a feature film director. His mission was to film it like a documentary. However, Pollack made a rookie mistake. He forgot clapper boards. This made syncing sound and picture impossible. The film was shelved for years.
Alan Elliott, a former A&E executive, revived the project. He got the rights and used digital technology to complete the film. Pollack died in 2008. Elliott finished the film in 2011. Aretha Franklin sued to block its release. She didn’t want her likeness used without permission.
After Aretha Franklin’s death in 2018, her family approved the film’s release. It finally premiered. “Amazing Grace” offers an intimate view of the performance. The film puts you right here at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church. You can feel the spirit of those nights.
The New Temple Missionary Baptist Church only holds about 150 people. Most attendees were churchgoers. They witnessed Aretha Franklin in her prime. She sang gospel classics like “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “Amazing Grace”. The Southern California Community Choir and Reverend Cleveland joined her.
Reverend Clarence LeVaughn Franklin, Aretha’s father, shared memories. He spoke of Aretha singing those same songs as a child. The love between father and daughter was palpable.
“Amazing Grace” collapses time and space. It brings those nights in 1972 to life. The New Temple Missionary Baptist Church became a vessel. It carried Aretha Franklin’s heart and soul. It became a testament to her genius. As Sabrina Owens, Aretha’s niece, said, “This film is authentic and is my aunt to her core.”
So, as you stand before this unassuming building, remember the echoes of Aretha’s voice. Remember the spirit that filled the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church. It was a place where music and faith intertwined. It created a timeless masterpiece.