Jennifer Hudson Debuts Aretha Franklin Album as ‘Respect’ Hits Theaters
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At long last, Jennifer Hudson’s Aretha Franklin biopic Respect is finally in theaters, and you can listen to the soundtrack right now. It includes an original song called “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home).”
Hudson shared the music video for the song, which was co-written by Carole King, who famously wrote “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” The American Idol alum has been promoting both the movie and album in recent weeks.
Jennifer Hudson Releases ‘Respect’ Soundtrack
Hudson was chosen by Franklin herself to play her in the new movie before the music legend sadly passed away in 2018. Listening to the soundtrack, it’s easy to see why Franklin trusted Hudson with her persona and music repertoire.
The soundtrack features songs in a variety of styles, from bubbly tracks like “Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive” to soulful ballads like “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” and “Ain’t No Way.” Of course, the album also features iconic songs such as the titular “Respect,” as well as “Think” and “Chain of Fools.”
If those are the only Franklin songs you’re familiar with, it’s worth listening to the album to hear lesser-known tracks like “Spanish Harlem” and “Precious Memories.” You can hear to the full album for yourself on Spotify, or on Hudson’s YouTube channel.
SEE ALSO: JENNIFER HUDSON SAYS SHE WAS HAND-PICKED BY ARETHA FRANKLIN FOR ‘RESPECT’
Hudson Shares ‘Here I Am’ Music Video
On Friday, Hudson debuted the music video for “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home).” The black and white clip was filmed at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church where Franklin herself recorded the album Amazing Grace.
The music video also features scenes from the movie and shots of Hudson belting out the gospel-infused song from the church’s pews and on the stage. She wears a necklace that reads “RESPECT.”
Hudson recently visited The Late Show to talk to Stephen Colbert about her friendship with Franklin. She recalled the last conversation she had with the music legend before her death. Apparently Franklin told Hudson about what she had been eating, and then she sang over the phone. This was less than a week before Franklin passed away.
“I feel as though I was one of the last people to hear from her,” Hudson told Colbert. “And hear her sing. ‘Cause she sang on that call.”
Respect is in theaters now. It was directed by Liesl Tommy and written by Tracey Scott Wilson, with a story by Callie Khouri. It’s great to see a film about such an iconic female voice in music made by a team of women.
