Live At Fillmore West

Bill Graham’s Fillmore East and West was well known for combining acts from different genres of music for an exciting evening. In 1971, arenas were not the only venues for superstars. Clubs and ballrooms were also greatly utilized. The act with multiple nights, usually constituted how popular they were. Diana Ross and The Supremes might play a week at posh supper clubs like The Fairmount Hotel in San Francisco or The Empire Room in New York. Rock and/or grittier R&B acts might play The Fillmore(s), The Bitter End, The Roxy. Rare self-contained R&B acts like Stevie Wonder, Ike & Tina or Aretha might play those venues as well. Therefore, Aretha’s 3-night stand with a surprise appearance by Ray Charles at The Fillmore West was a prestigious gig. On the pop side, Diana Ross might play The Circle Star Theatre. Aretha had her solid R&B base, but, she also had credibility with rock ‘n roll audiences. The Fillmore West gig featured the hits like “Respect”, “Spirit in the Dark” along with more pop rock repertoire like “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,”Love the One You’re With “ and even “Make it With You”. What audiences didn’t know was the Queen of Soul and the Queen of Motown paid homage to each other. Both released live albums in 1971. Diana closed her ratings busting debut television special and live album, “Diana!” with Aretha’s “Call Me (I Love You)” , which she was nominated for a Grammy. Aretha closed her triumphant 3-night gig at The Fillmore with Diana’s signature “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hands)”! The highlights include a stirring version of “Don’t Play that Song”, her duet with Ray Charles on “Spirit in the Dark”!

My favorite Of all her work!

I agree with the others who rated this album and specifically mentioned the song "Dr. Feelgood". Amazing, and the crowd is FEELING IT!

Had the on LP when it was first made in the 60's and when I saw this now had to have along with the King Curtis. Best listening music in Klamath Falls on Sat for the Bros

I revisit this gem time and time again to recapture the pure essence of the Queen of Soul. I only wish i was in attendance! This woman (along with Ray's cameo appearance) takes you to church. The album was released to increase $ to make her appearance possible, since The Fillmore in San Francisco has limited seating. What a stroke of genius to create such a masterpiece of a live performance!

Everytime I listen to this rare GEM , I am blown away as if I am hearing it for the first time !! Aretha is SO Amazing here that the Moniker given to her , Queen Of Soul , doesn't even do her Justice !! She is so much better than THAT even !! ' Love the one you're with' , leaves me breathless and then she takes you straight to Church with , ' Spirit in the Dark ' ... I never tire of listening to this cd ... ALL HAIL Indeed ... xoxo

Aretha brought it on during this performance. Her energy and the energy of the Filmore is quite evident here. Dr Feelgood Definitely Reached Out And Touched the crowd. Its quite evident why Aretha was and is called, The Queen of Soul. Also a rockin/soulful performance by Ray C in the cameo. This was quite an uplifting performance..one of her best!!! They don't make'em like this anymore!!!!!!!

High energy version but marred by lots of talk as the show at the fillmore gets introduced.

This is one of those albums that I have brought in several formats. I own the CD, just purchased the album here, and I've been looking for the LP.

This is one of the greatest live albums ever! I love the fact she does "Respect" right out of the gate... as if to say, here... that's what you came for now get out! Only an artist like Aretha is that brave. I also love the fact she makes the next 4 tracks (Love the One You're With, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Eleanor Rigby and Make it With You) Her own! Look no further for proof she's the Queen of Soul!