Jennifer Hudson Announces New Song ‘Here I Am’ | Available Friday from ‘Respect’
Academy and Grammy Award-winning artist Jennifer Hudson is set to release her original new song, “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)” from the highly anticipated upcoming soundtrack of “Respect,” this Friday, June 18th.
Co-written with 4-time GRAMMY® Award winner, Kennedy Center Honoree and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee Carole King and Jamie Hartman. GRAMMY® Award-winning Black Eyed Peas co-founder and mega-producer will.i.am produced the track.
“Music is such a living and breathing character in this film, as it was in Ms. Franklin’s life. The process of creating this song was like constructing the greatest tribute I could possibly offer to her spirit. It was the final exhale of this extraordinary project and one that I let out with complete fulfillment.
Being able to do so with Carole and Jamie was an incredible privilege. Carole is one of the greatest songwriters of all time and, whether we were trading stories, playing piano together over video conference, or working through lyrics, it was always a masterclass – both in life and music. Jamie and I have collaborated together in the past and it’s always so wonderful to create with him – he is continuously thinking outside of the box in a way that deepens the musical experience in indescribable ways.
Our goal was to show that music was always the anchor for Ms. Franklin, in all that she did, and I hope this song illustrates the strength of her voice – both literally and figuratively – which always brought her home.”
Epic Records Chairwoman and CEO Sylvia Rhone stated, “What Jennifer, Carole, and Jamie have created together is nothing short of historic. It celebrates the legacy of Aretha Franklin by channeling her spirit and style in an original, no less. As soon as I heard it, I was speechless. It has all the elements of a future American songbook staple.”
“Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)” highlights Jennifer’s earth quaking range with a seismic crescendo. Right out of the gate, she proclaims, “It’s time for me to sing” over glorious church organ before twinkling piano wraps around her vocals.
The single officially impacts Hot AC and Urban AC on Monday June 21st.
