Aretha Franklin
The National Museum of African American Music, in partnership with NEON, the International Black Film Festival and The Recording Academy, will present the first public screening of Amazing Grace, a feature-length live taping of Aretha Franklin’s 1972 gospel concert, at the Belcourt Theatre on Tuesday, April 9, at 6:30 pm.
“The producers of Amazing Grace are proud to partner with the National Museum of African American Music, The Recording Academy, NEON and the International Black Film Festival to highlight the life and legacy of Aretha Franklin,” said Tirrell Whittley, CEO of Liquid Soul, producers of the documentary. “Ms. Franklin is a national treasure that we celebrate through this film, and presenting it in Nashville is only fitting with the city’s strong contributions to the music industry, particularly gospel music.”
Originally filmed in 1972, Amazing Grace is a captivating depiction of Aretha Franklin in the prime of her career. Named aptly after one of the highest-selling live gospel music albums of all time, the concert combines gospel staples and Franklin’s legendary hits. A panel discussion featuring NMAAM senior curator Dr. Dina Bennett will immediately follow the film’s conclusion.
“In light of Aretha’s incomparable legacy and impact on American music, NMAAM is proud to screen Amazing Grace,” said Bennett, NMAAM senior curator and event panelist. “The documentary allows audiences to experience the soulful influences of Aretha Franklin, who grew up immersed in the African American church. In returning to her spiritual roots, Aretha is at her best in establishing a communal relationship with viewers and in demonstrating the all-consuming, compelling force of gospel music.”
The screening is free to the public.
The National Museum of African American Music, set to open in early 2020, will be the only museum dedicated solely to preserving African American music traditions and celebrating the influence African Americans have had on music. Based in Nashville, Tenn., the museum will share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to bring musical heroes of the past into the present.
