Carole King and Jennifer Hudson Write New Song ‘Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)’ for Aretha Franklin Biopic ‘Respect’
Jennifer Hudson has unveiled a new song in support of her upcoming film and biopic about The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The biopic is titled Respect, fitting for Franklin’s signature song. Respect will be out in theaters on August 13. Before the release of the film, Hudson shared the song “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home),” a track she co-wrote with Carole King and Jamie Hartman. The song had been produced by will.i.am, who also produced Hudson’s iconic cover of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”
Hudson had collaborated on this latest song with Carole King, one of the most successful singer-songwriters of all time. King has recently been named into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for her work as a performer. She had also been inducted over thirty years ago as a non-performer. This collaboration with Hudson marks yet another defining moment in King’s career, as Franklin sang “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman,” a song King co-wrote with her then-husband, Gerry Goffin. “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman” would go on to become one of Franklin’s signature songs.
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 @jamiehartman. Produced by none other than @iamwill! #RespectMovie pic.twitter.com/kXndLGOvl0
— Jennifer Hudson (@IAMJHUD) June 16, 2021
It comes as no surprise that Hudson will be playing the powerhouse vocalist Aretha Franklin in the Respect biopic. Hudson has always been a strong vocalist. She first gained exposure when she was a contestant on American Idol in 2004. She unfortunately did not win the season, but the world knew of her insane singing abilities early on.
Jennifer Hudson is the FIRST and ONLY American Idol contestant to win a Grammy and an Oscar & a Golden Globe award despite not winning her season. #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM pic.twitter.com/Q2SD6MXaYt
— Top Boss, MPA (@Trell_Floyd) February 28, 2021
Just two years later, in 2006, Hudson would star as Effie White in Dreamgirls, opposite Beyoncé and Jamie Foxx. Hudson won Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards, becoming the youngest African-American woman to win the category.
“Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)” shows Hudson belting out the song, delivering a powerful performance. Respect is going to be a can’t-miss film this summer. Be sure to watch the video of Hudson below.
Writer | Tweet me @court__giles
