National Geographic provided a multi-night series that covered the illustrious career of the once in lifetime artist that was known as the “Queen Of Soul”.
Through Sunday March 21st to Wednesday March 24th, fans got an intimate look at Aretha Franklin through the “Genius” platform. The show created controversy when the son of Aretha wanted everyone to boycott the series, but for the most part the series has received a good reaction from fans.
Starring Cynthia Erivo, we got a lot of information from her early days in Detroit to becoming a worldwide phenomenon. The series did not ignore the trials and tribulations Franklin faced to become the iconic singer that the globe fell in love with.
Tony and Emmy winning actor, Courtney B. Vance played the father of Aretha Franklin. He did a tremendous job in the role of C.L. Franklin. Some of the best scenes from the series included Vance.
We need a Rev C. L. Franklin spinoff #GeniusAretha pic.twitter.com/wi11d4uNC6
— The Dre Era (@TheDreEra) March 23, 2021
On the final night, we see Aretha Franklin transition into the world of acting as her fight for women and her people sees more opportunity for her culture. The producer who helped to shape the marketing in the entertainment world retired from her label, Atlantic, which saw her making new moves and changes that didn’t really please those around her.
It really demonstrated how the star had the talent of being an all-time great entertainer that spanned different decades. National Geographic displayed how she was a force to be reckoned in the 1960’s competing with “Motown Sound” of Marvin Gaye along with the new generation of The Jackson Five. Also seeing her transition into the 70’s music world and adding acting to her resume showed how dedicated she was and a hard worker even when she doubted herself as a “has been”.
It was fantastic how her efforts to charting in the excessive 1980’s with larger than life acts such as Michael Jackson in his prime with Thriller showed her tenacity. The talent of Aretha lasted decades and the program definitely got that across to its viewers.
DJ and Promoter Pervis Spann crowns Aretha Franklin “Queen of Soul” in May, 1964.
“The only queens I had known of were Dinah Washington and Elizabeth I and II. To be considered worthy of the same title held by Dinah was an honor of the highest order.” — Aretha #GeniusAretha pic.twitter.com/S6HxySYr79
— Cody Dorsey (@CodyLDorsey) March 22, 2021
She broke up with her boyfriend and moved onto a new relationship that led to her marriage that carried her through some times of doubting her future. Her father also saw a decline in his health which also took a toll on the singing sensation. From reactions online, it appears that the show did a great job of getting the emotions out of her loyal fans.
The show ended on a strong note of her Grammy performance that portrayed her folklore night of replacing an legendary Opera singer at last notice. Now we wait to see the the big screen adaptation that stars Oscar winning Jennifer Hudson.
Check out some of the posts below.
#GeniusAretha I will from now on compare any and ERRRRRRRRY documentary to this one. ✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/tzyyvwxsf4
— RMFD (@uasknortelln) March 25, 2021
Don’t forget about the time when Aretha Franklin was ready to bail out Angela Davis. Saying, “… I have the money; I got it from Black people—they’ve made me financially able to have it—and I want to use it in ways that will help our people.” #GeniusAretha pic.twitter.com/coZa1ip5An
— Cody Dorsey (@CodyLDorsey) March 24, 2021
This entire series was truly fantastic from the very first minute to the very last.
I need y’all to all do yourselves the pleasure of watching it.
Every single outfit, wig, scene, cameo, musical moment was flawless.
Thank you, @NatGeoGenius. #GeniusAretha pic.twitter.com/cSti5G1w9H
— 𝓍𝑜, 𝒶𝓃𝓉𝓎 (@XOANTY) March 25, 2021
@NatGeoTV @NatGeoGenius y’all did the darn thing 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 #GeniusAretha
— K.P. Smith (@IAMKPSmith) March 25, 2021
I loved every minute of it!❤️Props to Cynthia Erivo. She did her best although I think cultural differences held her back from meeting the southern nuances of Aretha, but whatever she was very good. The cast was great especially Mr. Vance & young Aretha.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🙌🏾 #GeniusAretha
— Angela Williams (@angelbooky) March 25, 2021
National Geographic did a wonderful job with the Aretha Franklin docuseries; it was a very, very good watch‼️
And Cynthia, whewwww chileeee#GeniusAretha#CynthiaErivo pic.twitter.com/dT509HxNQN
— Riley’sAuntie🇧🇸 (@SashaLaurel) March 25, 2021
I’ve really enjoyed watching the @NatGeoGenius mini-series on #ArethaFranklin one of greatest vocalists ever. Kudos to Cynthia EriVo, Courtney B. Vance & cast.
Omar Dorsey’s depiction of my mentor Rev. James Cleveland was spot-on! @RaphaelSaadiq killed the music! #GeniusAretha pic.twitter.com/h02Ljoqfau
— Kurt Carr (@TheKurtCarr) March 25, 2021
Many critics have thoughts on how this should have been done. I honestly can't imagine how difficult it was to capture the essence of her story. My novice response is; WELL DONE! #geniusaretha
— Mario J. Radford (@mariojradford) March 25, 2021
Look this was one hell of a series. One hell of a series #GeniusAretha.
— K.P. Smith (@IAMKPSmith) March 25, 2021
Aretha Franklin shaped generations of music. From gospel, jazz, soul and R&B, she was a musical genius. People will study her voice and music for centuries to come. Not only was she a singer, but a feminist and activist. That’s her legacy. LONG LIVE THE QUEEN! #GeniusAretha pic.twitter.com/cuLmYx71ST
— Cody Dorsey (@CodyLDorsey) March 25, 2021
Now that’s how you do a documentary movie, lifetime need to take some notes #GeniusAretha pic.twitter.com/HXziBsPNVD
— colah (@xBlessedMonroe_) March 25, 2021
Now I am ready for Respect with J. Hud. #GeniusAretha
— EricaMJohnson (@EricaMJohnson7) March 25, 2021
