A first look at “Respect,” the highly-anticipated biopic of one of the world’s most iconic and beloved singers offers the first glimpse of Jennifer Hudson as “The Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin. Directed by Liesl Tommy, the film spotlights the singer, who began her music career singing in her father’s Baptist church. Although widely regarded in popular music, she also frequently integrated her Christian faith into her music. Will “Respect,” releasing Oct. 9, 2020, acknowledge those gospel roots and frequent faith-based releases and if so, to what extent?
Franklin passed away in August 2018, leaving a legacy of incredible songs that also included “Chain of Fools”, “Think”, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)”, and “I Say a Little Prayer.”In addition to being inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, Franklin was a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. In 1972, Franklin recorded the landmark gospel record, “Amazing Grace,” which went double platinum and earned a GRAMMY Award for Best Soul Gospel Performance. Last year, a documentary of the recording, which was recorded over two days in Los Angeles and directed by Syndey Pollack, was released by Warner Brothers. She later released “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” in 1987.
Franklin publicly gave credit to God for her voice. “Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I’m using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I’m happy with that.”
“Respect” also stars Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgore, Tate Donovan, Heather Headley, Skye Dakota Turner, and Mary J. Blige.
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