What do we think of the legendary Ms. Franklin?
I've been watching a lot of her classic clips on Youtube lately. She had a spotty reputation as a live performer back in the 70's and 80's. Constant cancellations, sometimes showing up and just phoning it in, badly paced shows (often incorporating misguided ballet and dance routines into her numbers), tacky dresses But when she brought it, she brought it. The last fifteen to twenty years saw her give some of the best shows of her career.
Recording wise, her Atlantic 1967-1974 period is arguably one of the strongest of any musical act bar none. She had moments of brilliance on Columbia and Arista but nothing topped this.
So many of her TV clips are her at her best. Love this Carson appearance doing "It's My Turn". On point and looking fabulous.