Amazing Grace – Aretha Franklin (Vinyl 2x12" LP)
Released in 1972, Amazing Grace is Aretha Franklin’s landmark live gospel album—recorded over two nights at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles. Backed by the Southern California Community Choir under the direction of Rev. James Cleveland, this double LP captures Franklin returning to her gospel roots with breathtaking intensity. Blending spiritual fervour with unmatched vocal power, Amazing Grace became the best-selling gospel album of all time and one of the most acclaimed recordings of her career.
Key Highlights
- Includes powerful renditions of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”, “Climbing Higher Mountains”, and the title track “Amazing Grace”
- Recorded live in a church setting with ambient crowd responses, organ, and choir arrangements
- Features Rev. James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir
- Frequently reissued in deluxe formats, including 180g audiophile vinyl and expanded anniversary editions
- Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and preserved by the Library of Congress
Tracklisting
Side A
1. Mary, Don’t You Weep
2. Precious Lord, Take My Hand / You’ve Got a Friend
3. Old Landmark
4. Give Yourself to Jesus
Side B
1. How I Got Over
2. What a Friend We Have in Jesus
3. Amazing Grace
Side C
1. Precious Memories
2. Climbing Higher Mountains
3. Remarks by Reverend C.L. Franklin
4. God Will Take Care of You
Side D
1. Wholy Holy
2. You’ll Never Walk Alone
3. Never Grow Old
Fun Fact
Although the album was released in 1972, the concert footage wasn’t seen by the public until 2018 due to technical and legal issues. The resulting documentary, Amazing Grace, was met with widespread critical acclaim.
Why You Should Buy This Vinyl
- A transcendent live gospel recording from the undisputed Queen of Soul
- Captures the raw energy and emotion of Aretha in her spiritual element
- Audiophile pressings elevate the warmth of the church acoustics and choral dynamics
- A foundational piece of American music history, both sacred and universally moving
Amazingly intimate, undeniably powerful—Amazing Grace is one of the greatest live albums ever recorded and a cornerstone for any gospel, soul, or Aretha Franklin vinyl collection.