When a sequel was released to the iconic original Blues Brothers movie, fans weren’t sure what to expect. Would it be able to live up to the quality of the original? While the film received mixed reviews, there was one element that went down a storm, and that was the return of some of the iconic musicians who made guest appearances in the first film. One of those artists was soul legend Aretha Franklin, who reprised her role as restaurant owner Mrs. Murphy.
This time, Aretha performed her most well-known hit, Respect – released in 1967 as a cover of the Otis Redding original. Despite her performance in the Blues Brothers 2000 taking place over 30 years after the song’s original release, Aretha Franklin proved why her Queen of Soul status remained undisputed with her powerhouse voice. The online video of her performance has drawn in over 2 million views, with enthusiastic viewers leaving comments such as “No one can replace her voice and soul.”
The original Blues Brothers film is a favorite among music fans, undoubtedly including some of our Music Man readers, largely thanks to its inclusion of some of the greatest artists from blues and R&B history. The likes of Ray Charles, James Brown, and Cab Calloway appeared in the film alongside Aretha Franklin, celebrating the musical legacy they all helped to create. Despite the wealth of enormous talent displayed in the film, Aretha Franklin’s performance is still a standout among fans.
In one of the most iconic scenes in the film, Aretha’s character sings a version of her song ‘Think’. Her rich and powerful vocals are entirely at odds with the drab surroundings of the restaurant she’s performing in, making the glorious quality of her voice stand out even more. While her energetic performance stunned audiences around the world, she also amazed those on set with her, prompting Dan Aykroyd to say his “legs, stomach and solar plexus turned to jelly” when Aretha sang.
As such an enormous and genre-defining performer, it was a treat for audience members and filmmakers alike to have Aretha Franklin join the ranks of The Blues Brothers team. Known for her elegant yet fiery performances, Aretha brought a new dimension to the role. Watching her fully embody the character while delivering a knockout performance showcased her down-to-earth charm and legendary vocal power, reminding everyone why she will always be the Queen of Soul.
If you would like to hear more from this talented artist, you can subscribe to her YouTube Channel for more incredible music. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on her latest news. For more information, visit her official website.