

10 facts about the incomparable Aretha Franklin
25 March 2021
In honour of Aretha Franklin’s birthday on 25 March and the upcoming release of National Geographic’s (DStv channel 181) Genius: Aretha, here are 10 facts about the Queen of Soul

25 March 2021
In honour of Aretha Franklin’s birthday on 25 March and the upcoming release of National Geographic’s (DStv channel 181) Genius: Aretha, here are 10 facts about the Queen of Soul
Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin was born on 25 March, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee. While that’s not officially recognised as Aretha Franklin Day (her home city of Detroit, Michigan, where she was raised from the age of 2, celebrates that holiday on 16 February), National Geographic (DStv channel 181) is giving us an early Aretha gift.
The channel has announced the premiere date of Genius: Aretha, the third in National Geographic’s Genius series of docu-dramas (following their stories about Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso), which will air for the first time in South Africa on Wednesday, 30 June at 21:00.
The series, which features breath-taking, note-perfect performances of Aretha’s key hits – like I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You), Chain of Fools, Don’t Play That Song, Save Me, I Knew You Were Waiting For Me, Freeway of Love, and Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves – by lead actress Cynthia Erivo, will explore Aretha’s life and that special focus, determination, inspiration and the gift for interpretation that earned her the title of Genius, along with placing her life in its social context of growing up in a black family in the US during the mid-1900s, and her key position within the civil rights movement.
While details about the series are still under wraps, it has now weathered its COVID-19-embattled production disruptions and is ready for air come June.
“Aretha Franklin’s voice was just one part of the incredible legacy she left behind, adding to her civil rights advocacy and her true musical genius, and so much more. National Geographic’s commitment to going deeper, pushing boundaries and going further is embodied in this definitive and awe-inspiring series, which we are thrilled to be bringing to viewers and fans across the continent this June,” says Evert van der Veer, Vice President, Media Networks, The Walt Disney Company Africa.
In the meantime, you can get a sneak peek preview of Cynthia Erivo’s cover performance of Aretha’s hit Chain of Fools. And here are 10 facts about Aretha that will be explored more in-depth during the show.
The cast of Genius: Aretha includes actress and singer Cynthia Erivo (Harriet Tubman in Harriet, and winner of the 2017 for Best Musical Theatre Album award for her lead performance as Celie in The Color Purple) as Aretha Franklin. Cynthia will be performing many songs from Aretha’s rich catalogue, recorded live during her performances on set.
Courtney B. Vance (The People V O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story) as Aretha’s father, C.L. Franklin. Malcolm Barrett (Timeless, Preacher) as Ted White, Aretha’s first husband and business manager; David Cross (Mr. Show, Arrested Development) as legendary music producer Jerry Wexler, who guided Aretha as she developed into a confident singer and commercial success; Patrice Covington (The Color Purple, Ain’t Misbehavin’) and Rebecca Naomi Jones (Oklahoma!, The Big Sick) as Aretha’s sisters Erma and Carolyn Franklin, respectively, her frequent background singers, who supported and collaborated with their famous sibling. Steven Norfleet (Watchmen, Dynasty) as her older brother, Cecil Franklin, who stepped in as Aretha’s manager following her divorce from Ted White.
Veteran actress Pauletta Washington (Beloved, She’s Gotta Have It) as Aretha’s nurturing and loving paternal grandmother, Rachel. Omar J. Dorsey (Queen Sugar) as James Cleveland; Marque Richardson (Dear White People) as King Curtis, Kimberly Hébert Gregory (Vice Principals) as Ruth Bowen; and introducing Shaian Jordan as young Aretha Franklin, aka Little Re.
Watch Genius: Aretha S1 from Wednesday, 30 June on National Geographic (DStv channel 181) at 21:00
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