These photos are presented after a friend approached me and discussed James Cleveland. Gospel music is a cultural mainstay in the African-American community. Cleveland’s fame was created in Detroit as he was part of Aretha Franklin’s father’s great church. Once he moved to Los Angeles gospel music took off. Always a gifted Minister of Music, Cleveland was founder and Pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church. Prior to his death the church had four sites:
- 4426 W. Washington Blvd. (just west of Vineyard) was more of a storefront venue.
- 4413 W. Adams Blvd. Perhaps due to growth the ministry moved to the old Kabuki theater. Also worth noting is this venue was once owned by Aretha Franklin (not verified) and it might be since they had a very close relationship.
- 4394 W. Washington Blvd. (Virginia Road & Washington)
- 1815 W. Slauson Blvd. The ministry had exploded and took over the Better Foods market venue.
The last three photos are the site of Aretha Franklin’s 1972 “Amazing Grace” live concert which Cleveland directed.
Church 1
Church 2 – 4413 W. Adams Blvd.
Church 3 -4394 W. Washington Blvd.
Church 4 – 1815 W. Slauson Ave.
Site of Aretha Franklin Concert in 1972
