New Book Explores Life and Legacy of Rev. C.L. Franklin

This notice comes to TBGB courtesy of Elder Mack C. Mason and his always-informative Gospel Trade E-Zine:

The life and times of the late Pastor C. L. Franklin (father of the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin) is examined in a new book “Singing in a Strange Land: C. L. Franklin, the Black Church, and the Transformation of America” By Nick Salvatore.

Salvatore, an award winning author with several books, begins the Franklin story in the Mississippi Delta, through Memphis and finally to the Detroit church and neighborhood, where the Reverend both effected change and found controversy as well, such as his romance with Clara Ward. Yet his popular preaching and singing helps us study the social landscape from which Black America and its church has emerged.

“Singing in a Strange Land” is a great read and a must read. ($27.95, 419 pages, Published by Little, Brown & Company)