Jennifer Hudson knew she had her work cut out for her when she signed on to play Aretha Franklin in the Respect biopic. In doing so, the Oscar and Grammy winner had to breathe life into famous songs by the Queen of Soul.
The soundtrack’s first redo, “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman,” is unbelievably good, evoking the pure essence that it is Ms. Franklin.
“Natural Woman” is the second song lifted from the film’s companion soundtrack, which arrives on August 13, the same day as the hotly anticipated biopic. Hudson previously shared the original song “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home).” It was co-written by Jamie Hartman and Carole King, who had songwriting input in Franklin’s 1967 signature song.
Respect is a star-studded film, with supporting appearances from Mary J. Blige, Heather Headley, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, and more.
This year, Hudson teamed up with Mastercard to remake “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” for their Strivers Initiative. Revisit it here.
Listen to Jennifer Hudson’s version of “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman” below.
