Aretha Franklin Anthology Series Announced, Cynthia Erivo Cast as the Queen of Soul
A new anthology series chronicling the life of Aretha Franklin has been announced. National Geographic’s Genius: Aretha will star singer, songwriter, and actress Cynthia Erivo (Broadway’s The Color Purple) as the Queen of Soul. The program is slated to premiere in spring 2020.
According to a press release, Genius: Aretha will mark the first-ever, definitive scripted limited series on Franklin’s life. The show will feature some of Franklin’s biggest hits, some of which will be performed by Erivo. Of her role as Franklin, Erivo said in a press release:
Aretha Franklin has been a source of inspiration for me since I was a little girl. Her strength, passion and soul are evident in her everlasting legacy, not only as a transcendent artist, but as a humanitarian and civil rights icon. To have the opportunity to bring her legacy to life and show the fullness of her being, her humanity and brilliance, is an honor. What I know and have learned about what my voice, as an artist, can do and the power in it has been highly influenced by Franklin. I feel privileged and excited to be a part of the sharing of her genius.
Read Pitchfork’s Afterword feature “How Aretha Franklin Earned Her Crown As the Queen of Soul.”
Originally Appeared on Pitchfork
