Experience a deeply moving moment of spiritual reflection as R&B and soul legends Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, and Etta James unite for a breathtaking live rendition of the gospel standard "Take My Hand, Precious Lord."
Recorded on April 15, 1987, at the Ebony Showcase Theatre in Los Angeles for the iconic television special B.B. King & Friends: A Blues Session, this rare archival footage captures a vocal summit rooted in pure reverence. Stepping away from the high-octane blues and R&B jams of the evening, these three musical titans return to their gospel roots, delivering a performance of staggering emotional weight and vocal mastery.
The Performance
In this breathtaking live take, the trio transforms the intimate theater into a transcendent, pin-drop church service, blending their distinct, world-class styles into a singular prayer.
The Vocals: The arrangement highlights the unique brilliance of each vocalist. Gladys Knight opens the hymn with her signature elegance, infusing the lyrics with a deep, comforting, and resonant soul. She is complemented by Chaka Khan, who brings her soaring, dynamic range and intricate, jazzy phrasing to the timeless melody. Grounding the performance is the undeniable matriarch of the blues, Etta James, who delivers a raw, gravelly, and profoundly emotional roar. When these three legendary voices rise together in harmony, the sheer spiritual and vocal force is absolutely overwhelming.
The Atmosphere: The energy inside the Ebony Showcase Theatre completely shifts for this performance. Amidst a night of electric guitars and heavy grooves, this stripped-back, reverent moment commands absolute silence and awe from the audience and fellow musicians alike. The mutual respect and sisterhood between Knight, Khan, and James shine through as they share the stage, creating a deeply vulnerable and unifying musical experience.
About the Song: "Take My Hand, Precious Lord"
One of the most important and frequently recorded songs in American music history, this hymn perfectly channels the gospel origins of all three legendary vocalists.
The Origins: Written in 1932 by the Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey—often celebrated as the "Father of Gospel Music"—the song was born out of profound personal tragedy following the loss of his wife and infant son. It became a cornerstone of the gospel repertoire, forever associated with Mahalia Jackson, and famously served as a favorite hymn of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Theme: The song is an agonizingly beautiful plea for divine guidance, comfort, and strength during times of unbearable sorrow and exhaustion. Delivered by three women who understand the deep, historical connection between gospel pain and the blues, the song’s timeless message resonates with brilliant, triumphant authenticity.
B.B. King & Friends: A Blues Session (1987)
Produced for a Cinemax television broadcast, this historic concert gathered a staggering roster of blues, pop, and rock icons to honor B.B. King. While King was the host of the evening, performances like this prove the boundless scope of the event. It wasn't just a celebration of the 12-bar blues, but a tribute to the entire lineage of Black American music, from the juke joint to the church pews.
Performance Details
Lead Vocals: Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, and Etta James
Song: "Take My Hand, Precious Lord"
Composer: Thomas A. Dorsey
Event: B.B. King & Friends: A Blues Session
Venue: Ebony Showcase Theatre (Los Angeles, California)
Date: April 15, 1987
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