Aretha Franklin’s Powerful and Moving 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus' Performance

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There are some singers and musicians whose talent is so massive, so evident, and apparent that their sound will never be able to be replicated or duplicated. The late Aretha Franklin was one of those select few. Her voice was incredibly powerful and unmistakably hers. The second she started singing, you immediately knew who was belting out the lyrics.

Sure, some people may cover her tunes, putting their spin on an Aretha song here and there. Some of them might even be pretty good, but no one will ever be able to outdo Aretha. The woman could flat-out sing, able to reach, hit, and hold notes that most vocalists can only dream of singing.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Aretha uses her stunning voice to praise and honor the Lord in a 1972 performance. While performing with a handful of musicians, she sings “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

“What a friend we have in Jesus

All our sins and griefs to bear

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer”

 

The performance is a fantastic, spirited rendition of the classic hymn we all know and love. Aretha, while standing behind the pulpit, belts out the familiar lyrics. It’s stunning how clean and clear she sounds, especially given that this performance is over 50 years old.

At several points throughout the clip, Aretha displays that unique, powerful voice. She reaches back multiple times and hits notes, showing she was blessed with talent and a voice from the heavens.

Churches regularly put together talented praise and worship teams capable of singing nearly every song of praise. But can you imagine going to church one Sunday morning and seeing someone of Aretha’s caliber and talent level join the worship team?

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

This content originally appeared on GodTube.com; used with permission.
Photo Credit: ©YouTube/jdd2000