Aretha Franklin- Live at Filmore West-LP

Aretha Franklin’s Live at Fillmore West offers a rare glimpse of the Queen of Soul commanding the stage alongside King Curtis and the Kingpins during three electrifying nights in March 1971. The album stands out not only for capturing the raw energy of her live performance but also for the memorable guest spot by Ray Charles, whose duet adds a distinctive spark to the set. This record reflects a moment when soul music met the vibrant atmosphere of San Francisco’s iconic Fillmore West, blending gospel intensity with funk and blues influences. This 1971 Presswell vinyl pressing is housed in a gatefold, a format that adds a tangible sense of occasion to the listening experience. The vinyl here is graded VG+, indicating it plays well but may show noticeable surface wear and some background noise, so it’s a solid choice for those who appreciate vintage pressings without the need for pristine condition. If you’re organizing your collection, this one might nudge the soul and funk section just a bit closer to the rock records—because when Aretha sings live, genres politely step aside. Live at Filmore West.