A Nice Pair: Aretha Franklin

It’s the last Sunday in September so let’s settle in with A Nice Pair – book and vinyl pairings that go together like squirrels and foraging for nuts. This week, we’re pairing the book A Little Devil in America: In Praise Of Black Performance by Hanif Abdurraqib with Aretha Franklin’s album Sparkle.

A Little Devil in America by Hanif Abdurraqib is a heartfelt collection of essays that dive into the significance of Black performance in America. Abdurraqib blends personal stories with cultural analysis, exploring how these performances shape and reflect American culture. He covers everything from dance marathons to iconic moments in music, highlighting the resilience and creativity of Black artists. The book is both insightful and moving, celebrating the profound impact of these performances and is a beautiful tribute to the power and importance of Black art and expression.

We’re pairing this book with the soundtrack Sparkle featuring the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin – she is one of the important artists featured in the book. The 1976 Warner Bros Motion Picture “Sparkle” features a soundtrack created by Soul giants Aretha and Curtis (no last names necessary). It was pressed on vinyl in 2022 for the first time since its original release in 1976 as a Limited Edition on Crystal Clear vinyl.