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Podcasts The Frame
Aretha's 'Amazing Grace,' at long last
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Episode 19584
Listen 26:36
Aretha's 'Amazing Grace,' at long last

The singer's 1972 gospel concert film finally arrives in theaters after decades of technical and legal challenges; the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles is trying to move on from leadership controversies; the Los Angeles Poverty Department has been making theater with the residents of Skid Row for nearly 35 years.

"Amazing Grace," a 1972 gospel concert film featuring Aretha Franklin, is finally being released after overcoming technical and legal hurdles.
"Amazing Grace," a 1972 gospel concert film featuring Aretha Franklin, is finally being released after overcoming technical and legal hurdles.
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On today's show:

Can I Get an Amen?

(Starts at 7:42)

Aretha Franklin's "Amazing Grace," recorded in 1972 at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in South L.A., became the biggest-selling gospel album of all time, and the biggest-selling album of her career. But the accompanying documentary film was tied up for decades by technical and legal issues. (Franklin claimed she never approved the film deal.) After Franklin's death last year, her estate reached an agreement with producer Alan Elliott, and the film finally arrives in theaters on April 5. Elliott spoke with The Frame's John Horn about the film's long saga.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA6lBW3R__M

Putting the bad notes behind?

(Starts at :45)

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles is marking its 40th anniversary with a string of performances. But clouds hang over the celebrations with allegations of sexual harassment by a former board chairman and a $400,000 deficit. But interim executive director Lou Spisto tells guest host Steven Cuevas that the Chorus’ leadership is determined to right the ship. 

Theater as catharsis on Skid Row

(Starts at 19:34)

Most people know “LAPD” as an acronym for the Los Angeles Police Department.  But “LAPD” also stands for the Los Angeles Poverty Department — an award-winning performance group that formed in L.A.’s skid row back in 1985.  The company's aim is to tell stories for, with, and about homeless people. The troupe is preparing for the premiere of its latest show, “I Fly! or How to Keep the Devil Down in the Hole.” The artists say they created the show after a beloved member of their community was shot and killed by police. Frame contributor Marcos Nájera has our story.