Jennifer Hudson has said that playing Aretha Franklin is "something that's very personal and very dear to me."
There’s a trailer from the bio-pic Respect, which is scheduled to open in August. During a recent media session, Hudson recalled Aretha taking an interest in her. Jennifer said, "We met in New York," while Hudson appeared on Broadway in The Color Purple. Franklin later called and told her, "I've made my decision, and I want you to play me -- but don't you tell a soul!'"
Jennifer went on to say she didn’t want to simply imitate the Queen of Soul. Hudson said she actually crafted a hybrid singing style taken from both her recordings and those of Aretha Franklin.
Hudson said, "It's like a balance; I feel it's more of her influence on me in it, and my interpretation of it rather than trying to mimic Aretha." Taken another way, "Let it be the influence of her through me and how she's helped shape my artistry throughout the years."
Jennifer also discussed having to learn to play the piano for the role.(Billboard)
[Source: Classic Hits Today]