One of my favorite songs to dance and sing to is RESPECT from Aretha Franklin. Her music was ahead of its time and definitely empowering for everyone. RESPECT taught me about the importance of how I was treated and how I treated people, before I even knew what that meant.
And if we’re being honest, I have sang it one too many times while breaking up with the men in my life.
Jennifer Hudson is starring as the iconic Franklin in a biopic of her life. And with a new movie, means new music and we’re getting one from Jennifer Hudson and Carole King.
In a press release Hudson said, “Music is such a living and breathing character in this film, as it was in Ms. Franklin’s life. The process of creating this song was like constructing the greatest tribute I could possibly offer to her spirit. It was the final exhale of this extraordinary project and one that I let out with complete fulfillment. Being able to do so with Carole and Jamie was an incredible privilege.”
“Carole is one of the greatest songwriters of all time,” Hudson continued in her statement. “and whether we were trading stories, playing piano together over video conference or working through lyrics, it was always a masterclass — both in life and music. Jamie and I have collaborated together in the past and it’s always so wonderful to create with him — he is continuously thinking outside of the box in a way that deepens the musical experience in indescribable ways. Our goal was to show that music was always the anchor for Ms. Franklin, in all that she did, and I hope this song illustrates the strength of her voice – both literally and figuratively – which always brought her home.”
That’s right. The icons have teamed up for a new song for the movie. The song is entitled, “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)”.
Hudson posted about the song on her Instagram page, captioning the post, “ I’m so excited to announce the original song from @respectmovie, “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home),” which I co-wrote with the legendary @carole_king and my friend @bensbrother1. Produced by none other than @Iamwill If you Pre-Save the @respectmovie soundtrack, you can instantly download the song THIS FRIDAY on all platforms! Music was always what brought Aretha back home, and this song is our tribute to her incredible journey. #RespectMovie”
When speaking about the collaboration between herself and Jennifer Hudson, Carole King remarked, ““Writing a song with Jamie Hartman and Jennifer Hudson felt both familiar and fresh at the same time. The process of songwriting continues to amaze me. One minute there’s nothing, and then a song grows out of the seed of an idea. The seed was dormant when Jennifer, Jamie, and I first met virtually. Jennifer and I had previously performed together, and I was excited about writing with her for no less than a film called Respect in which Jennifer plays Aretha Franklin! I’m so pleased to have not just one but two songs as part of the Respect soundtrack: the 21st century song ‘Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)’ and my 20th century co-write with Gerry Goffin, ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.’”
“Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)” is available today, Friday, June 18th.