Aretha... in every Respect

Singer Jennifer plays legend in new movie

Playing soul legend Aretha Franklin would be a daunting challenge for any singer – but Jennifer Hudson seems to have nailed it. Hand-picked for the role by Aretha herself before she died in 2018, the American Idol finalist, right, is pitch perfect. A trailer for Respect, the biopic named after Aretha’s biggest hit, shows how she captures the spirit of one of the most successful female artists in US chart history.

We show some key scenes – and the real life behind them…

■ Respect is out in UK cinemas on January 22, 2021

Moment of reflection Aretha fixes her make-up before a 1969 concert in Newark, New Jersey. She struggled with her weight, especially after she quit smoking in 1992 saying that smoking was “messing with my voice”. Jennifer shows her nervously appraising her appearance in the mirror.

Making her point Aretha commanded the stage, inspiring stars including Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce. Jennifer shows how it’s done in the film.

Aisle sing you a song Aretha sang gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Michigan where her father was a minister. She recorded her 1972 gospel album live in a Los Angeles chapel, right. Jennifer works the pews, above.

STAR POWER Aretha, above, & Jen in film poster

IT’S A DEAL Signing Atlantic record deal with Wexler, left, and manager Ted White in 1967 I’ll make you a star In 1967 Aretha moved from the Dgdgdgdgdgdgdg Columbia record label to Atlantic. She was helped to stardom by producer Jerry Wexler, with whom she recorded some of her biggest hits. Otis Redding wrote Respect and was the first to record it, but on hearing Aretha’s version he joked, “I just lost my song.” Aretha said: “People want respect – even babies. As people, we deserve respect from one another.” Jennifer and Marlon Wayans as her manager, Ted White, in the film.

The Queen of Soul Aretha became known as the Queen of Soul due to the power and emotion of her amazing voice in hits such as I Say A Little Prayer, Think and A Natural Woman. Barack Obama said of her: “American history wells up when Aretha sings. “That is why, when she sits down at a piano and sings A Natural Woman, she can move me to tears.” Jennifer puts her heart into her performance, left.