It’s the term for when a record or album sells at least two million copies. And back in 1972, a collection of Christian music was recorded that would become an album of double platinum songs. And that album would become the bestselling gospel album ever.
The Queen of Soul sang those double platinum songs.
And she sang a lot of other hits, too. In fact, according to stats I’ve seen, she sold over 75 million records in her 76 years on Earth. Plus, she had a bunch of top 40 hits. And she won 18 Grammy awards.
Not bad for a girl born in her parents house in Memphis, Tennessee.
Ms Franklin was also lavished with lots of praise for her voice. In fact, in 2010 Rolling Stone magazine (the epitome of a clear-thinking Christian periodical) rated her at Number 1 of the top 100 female vocalists of all time. Can’t do better than that, right?
Her signature song, “Respect,” was actually Otis Redding’s song. But her recording of it was so popular, basically no one would have imagined it was ever anybody else’s music. When Otis heard her version, he supposedly said, “That little girl done took my song away from me.”
I wasn’t a fan of Aretha’s music.
Double platinum songs or any others. Not that I didn’t like ’em. I just liked other music and other artists much more. So, I spent my money on their music. Not hers.
But I can certainly appreciate all she did. Especially when you consider what her obstacles would have been as a young, darker skinned woman back in the 60’s. Aretha could certainly belt ’em out. And I hope her bestselling gospel album, “Amazing Grace,” has helped at least a few people get to know God.
She knows if that’s true. Because Aretha died exactly four years ago today, August 16, 2018, after a fairly long battle with cancer. She knows, now, that Amazing Grace is real.
What a choice, to be loosed or bound.
Plant your feet on the solid ground.
And receive; and receive the Grace.
Put the Light in your dark heart’s place
(from the song “Give To Gain”)
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