Author: chimesfreedom

Editor-in-chief, New York.

Aretha Franklin 1972 Performance Will Be Released: “Amazing Grace”

Aretha Franklin Amazing During two nights at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles in 1972, Aretha Franklin gave what many consider among her greatest performances. Director Sydney Pollack filmed Franklin over January 13 and 14 as she worked on creating her great live album Amazing Grace.

Fans have long hoped for the movie’s release. Now, the documentary, Amazing Grace is finally hitting theaters.

After the initial recording of the performances, audio problems prevented the film’s release. But producer Alan Elliott eventually finished the film. The movie originally was scheduled to hit theaters in 2015.  But then an issue about rights prevented the release.

Franklin’s estate, however, has made an agreement that will allow fans to see the film. Amazing Grace will have a limited theatrical release in November and December 2018 to qualify for the Best Documentary Oscar category. Check out the trailer below featuring the great Aretha Franklin.

The album Amazing Grace sold more than two million copies.  It became what was the best-selling gospel album of all time.

What is your favorite Aretha Franklin performance? Leave your two cents in the comments.

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    The Final Film By The Three Stooges: “Kook’s Tour”

    Three Stooges Final FilmIn 1969, the Three Stooges began preparing for a run on television with production of a TV pilot.  The planned series featured Moe Howard, Larry Fine and “Curly” Joe DeRita as the retired Stooges taking a trip around the world with their dog, Moose.  Eventually, due to an unfortunate circumstance, the footage was made into what would be the final film featuring the Three Stooges, “Kook’s Tour.”

    The unfortunate event was that Larry Fine had a severe stroke on January 9, 1970 while the pilot was still being made.  The stroke paralyzed the left side of Fine’s body. Fine’s condition meant that they had to drop any plans for a TV series.

    Director Norman Maurer, however, cut the footage into a 52-minute film.  Producers marked the film in 1975 in Super 8 Sound home movie format.

    Below is Maurer’s edit of the film, “Kook’s Tour.” Check out the last film from the Three Stooges.

    Fine survived the stroke for several years, eventually dying on January 24, 1975. The original Curly, Curly Howard, had also had a stroke many years earlier, dying on January 18, 1952. Moe died less than four months after Larry on May 4, 1975 of lung cancer. Curly Joe lived until 1993.

    Leave your two cents in the comments.

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    Song of the Day: “You Don’t Own Me”

    You Don't Own Me With all of the changes on the horizon in the 1960s, it should not be too surprising that a strong empowering song for women would be recorded by a 17-year-old. In December of 1963, Lesley Gore released “You Don’t Own Me.”

    The song was actually written by two men, John Madara and David White. But Gore’s power made it an instant classic about a young woman asserting herself in her relationship and reminding her significant other that she is going to be her own person.

    You don’t own me,
    Don’t try to change me in any way;
    You don’t own me,
    Don’t tie me down ’cause I’d never stay.

    “You Don’t Own Me,” however, did have to play second fiddle to a bunch of boys in one way. Gore’s song stalled at number two on the charts while The Beatles held the number one spot with “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”

    While both songs are two of the most joyous rock songs of all time, it is Gore’s recording that seems more timeless and timely. Gore also does an amazing job slowly building, building, building until the song explodes near the end.  Below, Gore sings “You Don’t Own Me” at the 1964 T.A.M.I show.

    Leave your two cents in the comments.

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    Song of the Day: Katie Cole’s “Graceland”

    Cole Graceland

    Singer-songwriter Katie Cole takes us to church in her new single, “Graceland.” Cole, who was born in Australia but now lives in Nashville, was inspired to write the song with co-writer Sam Brooker after a visit to Elvis Presley’s home.

    “Graceland” is in the voice of someone who has wronged their lover. Cole’s wonderful voice gives an emotional depth to the song, while sometimes a choir backs her up. Check it out.

    It’s a long road I’m on to get me here,
    When all the lights have gone out but the stars;
    So I’ll follow them, wherever they lead me dear,
    Far away, far away from your heart.

    “Graceland” is from Katie Cole’s EP, Things That Break, Pt. 1. We hope to hear more from her in the near future.

    Leave your two cents in the comments.

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    Jeff Tweedy Sings “Pecan Pie” from Bed for Charity

    Pecan Pie

    Wilco leader (and Uncle Tupelo legend) Jeff Tweedy recently performed the song “Pecan Pie” in a video for Bedstock, a music benefit sponsored by MyMusicRx for the Children’s Cancer Association. Bedstock features artists making videos of performances from bed in solidarity with ill children and teens. The event started in 2014.

    “Pecan Pie” first appeared on the album Down By The Old Mainstream (1995) by Golden Smog.  The band was a 1990s alt-country supergroup that included Tweedy.

    Tweedy performs a solo acoustic version of “Pecan Pie” in the video for Bedstock. Check out what is maybe the best love song that says so much about pies.

    And a piece of pecan pie,
    And you that’s all I want;
    Just a piece of pecan pie,
    And all I want is you.

    Tweedy will be releasing his memoir, Let’s Go (So We Can Get Back): A Memoir of Recording and Discording with Wilco, Etc., on November 13, 2018. Not long after that, he is releasing a solo album, Warm, on November 30, 2018.

    Leave your two cents in the comments.

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