Preview: Amazing Grace
An award-winning documentary capturing one of music’s greatest singers at the peak of her powers is the selection for the next installment in the Music Movie Mondays series at Grail Movie House, hosted by Asheville author and music journalist Bill Kopp (that’s me!). Amazing Grace screens one night only: Monday, August 12.
Aretha Franklin was one of the greatest soul and gospel singers in history; Rolling Stone named her as the greatest singer of all time. After a stunning run of albums in the 1960s, she recorded her fourth live album, Amazing Grace, in 1972. That record made it to the Top 10 on the mainstream album charts, and would become the biggest-selling live gospel album in history.
The making of that album was filmed, and plans called for a motion picture to be released in 1972. But technical problems with the film caused the project to be shelved. 35 years later, the tech issues were solved and the film was set for release. But legal issues caused its release to yet again be canceled. Finally, after Franklin’s passing in 2018, matters were settled and the Amazing Grace documentary was finally released worldwide.
Amazing Grace is a powerful documentary that displays the depth and breadth of Aretha Franklin’s artistry. The film received widespread critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.
A special August 12 screening as part of the Music Movie Mondays series at Grail Movie House will be hosted by Asheville author and music journalist Bill Kopp. For one night only – Monday, August 12 @ 7 pm – Music Movie Mondays will present Amazing Grace. The program will feature a brief introduction. Then we’ll watch the film together; afterward, we’ll engage in a moderated discussion.
The one-night-only screening of Amazing Grace is the latest in the ongoing popular series of Music Movie Mondays at Grail Moviehouse. Every month, we’ll watch and discuss new releases, classics and cult favorites. Music Movie Monday is proudly sponsored by AshevilleFM.
WHAT: Music Movie Mondays Series: Amazing Grace
Special screening + moderated discussion hosted by Bill Kopp
WHERE: Grail Moviehouse, 17 Foundy Street, Asheville
WHEN: Monday, August 12 @ 7 p.m. / Tickets are $15 and likely to sell out!
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day for several years). The more than 5000 interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- some 40 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 30 Great Concept Albums is available now. Read even more about him here.