Aretha Franklin’s iconic pipes are the focus of a new trailer for “Amazing Grace.” Shot in 1972 over two nights at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in LA, the long-awaited documentary sees the late singer recording the most successful gospel album of all time, “Amazing Grace.” The trailer shows Franklin stepping up to the mic and demonstrating how she became known as the Queen of Soul, delivering a jaw-dropping performance of the album’s titular song.
The winner of 18 Grammys, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and countless other awards and accolades throughout her nearly-six-decade career, Franklin died last year. She was 76. Her records have sold over 75 million copies worldwide, and she was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As “Amazing Grace” proves, her voice will carry on.
Liesl Tommy, who made history as first black female director to receive a best directing nomination at the Tony Awards, is set to direct “Respect,” a biopic of Franklin starring “Dreamgirls” Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson. National Geographic series “Genius” will honor Franklin by featuring her as the protagonist of its third season. Each year the anthology series traces the story of a history-making innovator or gamechanger.
“Amazing Grace” hit theaters in NY and LA April 5.
