Rock soul diva Fantasia and award-winning music director and bassist Adam Blackstone have collaborated on a new rendition of “Summertime,” the 1935 signature song composed by George Gershwin for his opera, Porgy and Bess.
The pleasant, jazz-inspired variation was produced by Blackstone, Fantasia, and Jonathan Anderson. Blackstone also arranged the cover alongside Melvin Jones and Jamar Jones.
Fantasia interpreted this classic song with an alluring presence, captivating the listener and evoking a love for the warm weather as it soon comes to an end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUvzca1ejzE&pp=ygUtZmFudGFzaWEgc3VtbWVydGltZSBhbWVyaWNhbiBpZG9sIHBlcmZvcm1hbmNl
If you recall, Fantasia, the winner of the third season of American Idol in 2004, performed “Summertime” on the season finale as one of the three songs of the night. She also sang the song early in the competition.
After winning the Idol crown, Fantasia recorded a version of “Summertime” for her debut album, Free Yourself, which was also released in 2004. It was helmed by British producer Nigel Wright.
“Summertime” marks the second collaboration between Blackstone and Fantasia this year. They previously teamed up at the 2024 Time 100 Gala, where Fantasia was honored.
Blackstone produced a stirring rendition of “When I See U,” which Fantasia performed at the event and later released on streaming platforms.
Fantasia recently launched Rock Soul Productions, an entertainment company, with Yvonne McNair. The company specializes in management, production, and entertainment ventures and hired Blackstone for music supervision.
In other news, Blackstone has been busy this year as a bassist, arranger, and producer, playing for artists like Justin Timberlake, Andra Day, and Reneé Rapp.
Blackstone supervised the music for Alicia Keys‘ acclaimed musical Hell’s Kitchen, co-producing the song “Kaleidoscope” with Keys and Tom Kitt, which was featured on the musical cast album. A custom remix called the Bucket Remix is being used as the soundtrack for this year’s U.S. Open.
As for Fantasia, the Grammy winner had an amazing year in 2024, thanks to her role as Celie in The Color Purple musical last year. She will be honored with the Black Girl Magic Award at the return of the Black Girls Rock! event scheduled to take place in November.
Additionally, in 2025, Fantasia will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the recording category.
Stream Adam Blackstone and Fantasia’s new song “Summertime” below.
