In 1972, Aretha Franklin who had by then had some 11 consecutive hits including, “Respect,” “Think” and “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman” decided to record a live gospel album. Over two nights at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, Aretha performed with the Reverend James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir led by Alexander Hamilton. The first night was devoted to traditional gospel hymns, the second to gospel versions of contemporary songs by Ma…
