Aretha Franklin’s previously shelved Amazing Grace documentary is scheduled for nationwide release next month, and the film’s new trailer offers up a staggering performance from the Queen of Soul.
In the snippet, released Wednesday (March 6), Franklin belts out “Amazing Grace” in front of a congregation at a Los Angeles church. Despite being only 29-years-old at the time, the spectacular performance echoes that of a legend, further proving that Franklin was destined to become music royalty.
The recording, shot by director Sydney Pollack at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Watts, Calif., in 1972, was filmed for Franklin’s Grammy-winning Amazing Grace album. The documentary showcases long-lost footage captured during the recording of the album.
The film first began screening late last year, after three decades of technicalities held up its release. Neon acquired the North American distribution rights for the documentary after Franklin’s death last year. Amazing Grace debuts in theaters on April 5, but it’s not the only upcoming production honoring the late icon.
Franklin’s legacy was celebrated during a star-studded tribute in Los Angeles, earlier in the week. The event was filmed for the television special, Aretha! A Grammy Celebration for the Queen of Soul, airing Sunday (March 10) on CBS.
Check out the teaser for Amazing Grace below.