03x07 - Aretha: Chain of Fools

[bunniefuu]

MAN: Previously on Genius...

Well, Re, you wanted to meet
the man who made my medallion.

Ken Cunningham,
meet my sister Aretha Franklin.

-Pleasure to meet you.
-It's an honor.

I love you.

I...

This isn't gonna work
if you keep shutting me out.

RICK: I thought he was a preacher.

TED: Well, he loves Sunday morning
and Saturday night.

This is ridiculous!

Oh, see, now you done planted that.

REPORTER: Queen, your sisters
sing backup for you.

Do you plan on ever singing
backup for them?

ARETHA: We are family and we will

always support each other.

Any chance you'd write the liner notes?

Carolyn asked you to write the
liner notes in her new record.

But you ain't got the time to empower her.

When you heard Erma was
recording "Preacher Man,"

you went and released
your own version to undercut

-her chances!
-How much help do y'all need from me?

Jerry Wexler... he gets me.

Let Aretha be Aretha.

And, Miss Franklin,
I do appreciate your trust.

Well, sh*t, if you can't
trust Jerry Wexler...

[BOTH LAUGH]

["SEE SAW" BY ARETHA FRANKLIN PLAYING]

[AUDIENCE CHEERING, APPLAUDING]

Sometimes you love me

Like a good man oughta

Sometimes you hurt me so bad

My tears run

Like water

You get me out

Not before your friends

Then you disown me, baby

Until we alone again

Your love is like a seesaw

Your love is like a seesaw, baby

Your love is like a seesaw

Going up and down and all around

Like a seesaw

Sometimes you tell me

You're gonna be my sweet candy man

And then sometimes, baby

I never know where you stand

Ah...

Ya lift me up

When I'm on the ground...

That's right, girl, sing it!

That's right, that's my daughter.

Ooh-ooh!

Look at you, y'all done
drank too much already.

[LAUGHS]

That's my daughter.

I taught the Queen of Soul
everything she knows.

-Especially them dance moves.
-Ooh, oh, let me see.

You don't, you don't believe
I'm gonna do...

[WOMEN WHOOPING]

-Oh, my God!
-Look at that, come on!

Come on, come on, you can't
get that, you can't get that,

you can't get that. Uh-oh, yes, you can.

[ALL CHEERING, CLAMORING]

CLARENCE: We going deep onto the floor.

Look at you, what you working with.

Oh... yeah!

Hey!

Look at you.

[LAUGHTER, CLAMORING]

Yeah!

That's right, girl.

[GRUNTING]

Y'all continue.

[GRUNTS] I'll see y'all later.

-Uh-huh, okay.
-Later.

[LAUGHTER]

Allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Fredia.

And everybody in Detroit

knows the famous C.L. Franklin
and his Million Dollar Voice.

Haven't I seen you at New Bethel?

-[CHUCKLES]
-Last June, my pastor's

anniversary, front row,

red dress.

I can't believe you remember me.

You're a little she-devil.

What do you say we continue
this conversation

at my house?

Well, I hear you have a lovely home.

And I'd love to show you every inch of it.

[BOTH CHUCKLE]

Well, what I was really hoping

was that you'd pass my songs along

to your daughter.

She could use some new material,

and maybe one of the songs
that I've written

could be a big hit for her.

How about...

I get to know you better.

And then I can pass on

your music and give your songs

my personal recommendation.

-[CHUCKLES]
-You know, Aretha don't do nothing

without my say-so.

Well, all right then.

Is that all right for you?

Come on, lovely, 'cause your love

is like a seesaw.

Up, down, all around.

- [LAUGHS] Seesaw!
-[TIRES SCREECH]

Whoa!

-[TIRES SCREECH]
-[CRASH]

[CAR HORN BEEPING]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

Aah!

I knew you was too drunk to drive!

Acting like you all that!

[FREDIA SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY]

I just got out of control.

-Nobody got hurt.
-Oh!

Nobody hurt.

[SIREN WAILING]

Oh, no.

Cecil?

How's Daddy?

Love and happiness...

Daddy's gonna be fine,
okay, so stop worrying.

sh**t, maybe him wrecking a car

will get him to quit his foolishness.

He's out on bail now,
but he could've k*lled himself

and somebody else.

I hear you.

Come on, let's, uh,
let's tackle these bills, okay?

I hired someone to do all this.

I ought to go over there
and slap 'em upside the head

for all that money I pay 'em.

I'm here to help.

For free.

-Thank you.
-Mm-hmm.

[SIGHS] Okay, um...

There's nothing wrong

First notice.

Being in love with someone...

Ooh, geez, this says final notice.

Lots of bills... you helping everybody.

First notice, first notice,

first notice, okay.

All right, we got things for Daddy.

Me, Carolyn, Erma.

Things for Ken and the kids.

You think I should do
more commercial stuff?

Not at all.

Only ever sing what you want.

-Lady
-Love and happiness...

You know, I think we should call Jet.

Tell 'em we have a story for 'em.

You want to hear it?

-Mm-hmm.
-All right.

Cecil Franklin,
the Queen of Soul's hidden asset.

Mm, most valuable hidden asset.

Let's, let's, let's get Jet on the phone.

-You like that?
-Oh, I think

-their number in the kitchen, I got it.
-You got a number?

I got you, I got you, stay right there.

We'll get Jet to pay for
the article, Jet pays big!

[LAUGHING]

Yeah

You, you, you, you

ARETHA: This one is a yes.

Okay, a single maybe, huh?

Could be the title cut.

-Yeah, sure.
-Huh?

Let's try this.

Nope. No way.

[LAUGHING] You... you only
heard, like, four notes.

Come on!

None of these?

I love you, Jerry,
but I do not love disco.

Oh, look at the charts.

There's no denying
that's where the music is.

Uh, I mean, if you want hits.

Okay, it doesn't have to be a disco song.

-It's gonna be an Aretha song.
-Mm-hmm.

I'm just saying there's
a lot of people out there

coming up, nipping at your heels.

And they're all singing disco.

I have worked very hard
to get where I am.

And I've opened a lot of doors

for a lot of singers, and I get it.

If I want to be on top, I got
to think outside of the box.

But I... I cannot sing what I don't feel.

Okay, not for nothing,
but Ruth can get you a very nice

-Las Vegas booking.
-That's not for me, Jerry.

-Las Vegas...
-Not for me and you know it,

-so stop it.
-Okay, okay.

[SIGHS]

So we're gonna start recording

in a month and it'll come out
in the fall, right?

Uh, yeah.

-Yeah.
-Tell you what.

I'll take this little thing right here,

and give it a listen again,
see if I like it or not.

Okay.

What's wrong?

Well, I've been looking
for a way to tell you this.

-You okay?
-Yeah, no, I'm fine.

I, um...

[SMACKS LIPS]

I am leaving Atlantic.

[SCOFFS] No, you're kidding.

No, no, they're-they're

not treating me like
a partner anymore, you know?

It's more about the money than the artist,

so I'm out.

-Ain't that some sh*t.
-You know

I'll always have
your best interests at heart.

Well, I know, I know, but...

when I first signed
with Hammond at Columbia,

I-I thought I was going
straight to the moon.

I was singing beautiful songs,

but I couldn't chart
to save my life, and then you,

you came and-and showed me something

I couldn't see for myself.

Well...

What we did with "Respect."

-Yeah, and "Natural Woman."
-Mm-hmm.

-And "Chain of Fools" and "Think."
-Mm-hmm, all right.

You changed music.

Well, now, we changed music.

It's not gonna be the same
without you over here.

All right, all right, I'm...

I'm leaving the company,
not the planet.

Okay, and unofficially...

-I'll always be on your team.
-Mm.

And I'm only a phone call away.

Well, maybe my thing's done, too.

Oh, please.

Who am I without you?

You're the Queen of Soul.

Well...

How about we make
one last record together?

Hmm?

We'll call it You.

And it'll be your biggest hit ever.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

[PLAYING "ANGEL"]

Gotta find me an angel

To fly away with me

Gotta find me an angel

Ooh

To set me free

CAROLYN: My heart's without a home

And I don't want to be alone

Gotta find me an angel

[PHONE RINGING]

In my life

-In my life...
-CLARENCE: Hey, Aretha.

-Hey, Daddy.
-You got a minute?

Daddy, you missed a great party.

I-I...

I'll make the next one.
I-I-I want to know,

you gonna be able
to make my, my court date?

-Yes or no?
-Well, well, when is it?

It's next month, Aretha.

Well, I'll try.

Everyone was here. Uh,

Quincy, Stevie, Smokey.

Uh, Jerry brought some
of those rock and roll people.

And Pops Staples was asking for you.

Your album is called You?

I want to know why You ain't selling.

And-and-and don't try to pretend.

I know the critics don't like it
and the folks ain't buying it.

I'm worried about you, Retha.

Um...

I'm gonna talk to you later, okay?

Oh, you don't want to talk to me now?

I... I got to go.

Make my court date, now. In a month.

Love you.

[PHONE BEEPS]

So I'll just go on

Hoping that I find me someone

Gotta find me an angel

In my life

In my life

[LAUGHTER]

Y'all sound great, singing.
You should record it.

ERMA: Thank you, we just might do that.

Your album's gonna see
a nice bump next month

after the Grammy nominations come out.

Let's hope.

So, what'd Daddy want?

For me to come to his court date.

You jiving.

I am not.

You going?

I don't know.

Sis. You threw a great party.

ERMA: Mm-hmm.

-And music folks showed up.
-Mm-hmm.

ERMA: And film, too. Gordon Parks.

Mm. From Shaft and The Learning Tree.

Now, that brother got it going on.

-[LAUGHTER]
-CECIL: I hear his next picture

gonna be about Bessie Smith.

Sounds like a role for me.

Except you don't have
the acting experience.

Well, I'll take some acting lessons.

Mm.

You tell 'em, baby.

[LAUGHTER]

This will be

An everlasting love

This will be...

Now, see, I know
what Natalie's trying to do.

But she hasn't got the ability
or the equipment to do it.

Loved me, oh...

She got a pretty voice, though.

You found me in time...

Can you change the station?

I want to listen to something else.

Listen, sugar, don't worry.
Everybody loves you.

I should be back in L.A.
getting ready for that audition.

They know they have a singer,
but I want them to know

that I can act, too.

You were born to play Bessie Smith.

I'll even run lines with you
if you want to.

Maybe. Ruth is getting together
a list of some acting classes

I could take.

You give me all the love you have...

And that's all I need...

-ARETHA: Ooh, Daddy...
-Come on.

[CL SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]

You've been here before,
we've done this before.

REPORTER: Reverend Franklin,
we have some questions.

CLARENCE:
I don't know why so many of you...

REPORTER 2: Aretha Franklin!

-Miss Franklin...
-Remind me why I'm doing this again.

Because Aretha Franklin
loves her father, sugar.

Come on.

-[REPORTERS CLAMORING]
-CLARENCE: There's my baby.

Hey, baby.

Reverend Franklin,
your recent car accident.

Will you give us your side of the story?

Well, anybody who's ever
been behind a wheel

-knows that accidents happen.
-Uh, you were charged

with drinking and driving,
Reverend Franklin.

-What kind of example are you setting?
-Oh, I expect to be cleared

-from those charges.
-REPORTER: Uh, but Reverend Franklin,

the young woman that was
in the car with you,

-was she your girlfriend?
-I would hope that you all

would join me at my Pastor's

Anniversary Celebration
this coming summer.

I've carried New Bethel
and Detroit a long, long way,

and I've said all I'm gonna say
on the subject.

-REPORTER: Reverend...
-REPORTER 2: Uh, Miss Franklin.

Are you going to attend
the Grammys, seeing as how

you did not receive
a nomination this year?

I'm not here to talk about the Grammys,

but I'll let you in on a little secret:

I have recently accepted a-a starring role

in a major feature film.

[REPORTERS CLAMORING]

-Aretha, who's directing...
-What was that about, sugar?

-Let's hope we get that movie. Mm-hmm.
-Mm.

[GROANS]

-Have a good day.
-Bye.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

-You're late.
-[LAUGHS SOFTLY]

Better to be late at heaven's gate

than to arrive in hell on time.

[BOTH LAUGHING]

Did you come up with that by yourself?

Maybe.

Are you ready to dive right in?

-Uh, yes.
-Yeah?

-Yeah.
-So, tell me this:

have you ever tried the trust exercise?

Uh... maybe?

I mean, it depends on who I'm with.

Oh, well, look, it's really easy.

All you have to do is turn away from me,

fall back into my arms.

But you have to trust that I'll catch you.

With all due respect, Mr. Glynn Turman,

-I don't think so.
-Come on, I got you. I promise.

You see, as actors and artists,

we have to keep ourselves open
and vulnerable,

because trust is the most
important thing we have.

You are gonna have a lot
of lawyers on your case

-if you let me fall.
-[BOTH LAUGH]

Well, you know what? I trust you on that.

So I won't let you fall.

-[BOTH CHUCKLE]
-Let's try it.

-Okay. All right.
-Yeah?

-You ready?
-Mm-hmm.

-One.
-Mm-hmm.

-Two.
-Mm-hmm.

Three.

-No.
-[BOTH LAUGH]

-Okay. Let's try one more time.
-Okay.

It's okay. I'm right here.
Partner in crime.

-[LAUGHS]
-You ready?

-Mm-hmm.
-One,

-two, three.
-[BOTH LAUGH]

-I wasn't ready. It's my fault.
-It's okay. It's okay.

No, no, listen. It...

-It's okay to be afraid.
-Mm-hmm.

-Okay? All right.
-Mm-hmm. Okay.

-Let's try it again. Let's count together.
-All right.

Okay, all right.

-And a-one, two, three.
-One, two, three.

-[SQUEALS SOFTLY]
-How was that?

-Mm-hmm.
-[BOTH LAUGH]

Of course.

Bessie was a woman who's surrounded by men

who were all calling the sh*ts.

-I can relate to that.
-You'd be perfect for the part.

Thank you for helping me prepare.

It's my pleasure.

-Really.
-Mm.

Uh, let's, uh, let's give it another go.

Okay.

I'm not looking for a husband.

-You heard me.
-Mm.

I'm still young,
and I ain't done running around.

It's good, but remember,

when Bessie is talking
to those folks, she is fierce,

but she's also fragile.

-Right?
-But she's hiding it because she's tough.

True, but things didn't always go her way.

-Mm.
-And sometimes she even made mistakes.

You see, you've got to play
all of her angles.

Keep your heart open.
Like you do when you sing.

You think they're gonna
pick me for this part?

They better, or they gonna
be hearing from me.

[CHUCKLES]

The camera is gonna love you.

Really.

I was sitting at home...

-You got a crush on your acting teacher.
-I do not. I promise.

Glynn is a-a good coach.

He is a movie star
who loves to share the craft.

And if I'm gonna be a real
actress, I need a-a real mentor.

The man you already got
is a good man, okay?

I, I'm not falling for
my acting teacher, I promise.

-CAROLYN: You auditioned yet?
-ARETHA: Yeah.

I'm waiting to hear back.
In the meantime,

I'm gonna take a few more acting lessons,

and I wanted to lose a little weight.

You look good, sis.

I mean, we got to look good,
sound good, smile.

Dress good,
can't go out with no makeup on.

[LAUGHS]

-It's some bullshit.
-I know.

-Can I get a witness?
-What are you up to?

I've been invited back in the studio.

On some background work?

The lead vocals on a rerecord.

For Curtis Mayfield.

Oh, the Gentle Giant asked you to come in?

Yeah. Can you believe it?

Feels good to be singing leads

for somebody at the top of his game.

He-he wrote the songs for that movie.

That's what this is for.

-For Sparkle?
-Yeah.

I thought it was done already.

He's not happy with the sound.
Thinks I can sing it better.

[LAUGHS] Oh, man.

I think my solo career might finally

be getting some traction.

Well, I'm happy for you, sis.

-Thanks.
-Good for you. Well, come on.

This Hollywood, and every season
is swimsuit season.

[BOTH LAUGH]

Hang on in there, y'all

And let it roll

Oh

Hang on in there now

You got to do it together...

MAYFIELD: I'm glad we're figuring out
a way to make this happen.

You, uh, finally gonna say yes?

Curtis, I wasn't playing hard to get.

I-I was actually busy.

You making a new album?

Uh, well, I was hoping
to have a few film projects

in the works, but, uh...

Yeah, I saw you were auditioning.

Let's just say that nothing's,
uh, quite come together yet.

Well, this project, there's
no doubt that the Queen of Soul

would make for a very welcome addition.

And I'm looking for a new producer,

so this might give me
an opportunity to try you out.

Two birds, one stone.

You talked it over with Carolyn?

Not yet, but she'll understand.

Well, right on, let's go.

All right. Bye-bye.

[PHONE BEEPS]

You didn't waste no time, did you?

I guess you want more money and fame, huh?

I saw you work really hard,

and you didn't get the Bessie Smith role.

Curtis says that Sparkle
needs some real sparkle.

But he wanted Carolyn for the project.

Well, he asked me first, and I was busy

working on my new album.

That's your sister.
How could you do that to her?

This is not about Carolyn,
but yes, I know,

i-it could hurt her.

Okay.

Look.

You're the best woman I've ever known,

and I love you more than
I've loved anything in my life.

But the way you're going about
things, I don't understand.

What are you willing to lose
to gain the world?

You know, it just... It... [SIGHS]

It just feels...

it's like w-we're moving in
two separate directions, honey.

Maybe it's for the best.

[SIGHS] Or mayb...

People out there can understand

I'm giving him something
That he can feel...

[MUSIC STOPS]

Okay. That-that sounded really beautiful.

Let's do it again, and this time

we gonna do it with-without the riffs

over the vamp at the end.

But that's just how I'm feeling it.

Feels to me like you
just giving some flash

instead of going deeper.

It's like you holding back.

Curtis, I'm just hearing it different.

Okay. Let's just do another take

where you just let loose and go all out.

What we got is great already.

One more go isn't gonna i-improve on it.

[CHUCKLES] You know, folks say,
these days, that Miss Franklin

only does two takes.

I can't believe that to be true.

You move people.

You-you go places they can't.

You take the heaviness of life
and you make it beautiful.

We need that.

[SIGHS]

Okay.

All right.

Let's try it again.

All right.

All right, stand by for playback.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Shoo doo

-Ooh
-Shoo doo

-Shoo doo
-Shoo doo

-Ah, shoo, doo, doo
-Shoo doo

Oh

Many say

-That I'm too young
-To let you know just where

-To let you know just where
-I'm coming from

I'm coming from

Oh

But you will see

-That it's just a matter
-My love will surely make you mine

My love will surely make you mine

Ah...

Living in a world of ghetto life

Everybody around seems so uptight

But nothing's wrong, it's all right

My man, my man

I like the kinds of way
We have our fun

His loving way sends me

On and on

Yeah, hey, with my man

People out there can understand

I'm giving him something he can feel

Ah, ah, ooh

To let him know

-This love is real
-My love is real

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey

I'm giving him something he can feel

Yes, I am, baby

To let you know

-This love is real
-My love is real

-This love is real
-Whoo...

Giving him something he can feel

[SONG FADING]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER IN DISTANCE]

Glad you could make it home.

It's nice to spend some time with family.

How are you and Carolyn?

I tried to call, but she didn't answer.

Guess she's not speaking to me.

With good reason, seems like.

Come on.

[CHEERING, WHOOPING]

Happy birthday!

Thank you, Big Mama.

Happy birthday.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

Isn't that nice? Oh, look at this.

This is the house
That Jack built, y'all

Hey!

Remember this house

-Hey! Come on!
-Yeah!

This was the land
That he worked by hand

It was the dream of an upright man

There was the room
That was filled with love

It was a love that I was proud of

This is the life
The life that he planned

On the love, the same old love

In the house that Jack built

-The house that Jack built
-Remember this house

There was the fence that held our love

There was the gate
That he walked out of

This is the heart
It has turned to stone

This was the house, it ain't no home

This is the love that I destroyed

On the day that I toyed with love

In the house that Jack built

-The house that Jack built
-Gon' remember this house

Oh, what's

The use of crying?

You know, I brought it on myself

There's no denying

[LAUGHING]

But it seems

Awful funny

-That I didn't understand...
-Come on!

Come on, Carolyn, don't be a wallflower.

No, thanks, Big Ma.

-I'm fine where I'm at.
-ERMA: Carolyn ain't been happy

-since Re stole her "Sparkle."
-Oh, come on,

-stop all that nonsense, come on, baby.
-No, Daddy, it's true.

Re went and took the last chance I had

-at making something of myself.
-Oh, now, come on,

it's my birthday,
and I don't want this nonsense

on my special day.

Aretha, go over there
and apologize to your sister.

For what? Curtis asked me to
sing it first, and I just did it

when my schedule cleared up.

You mean when you didn't
get the part in the movie?

You went and stole my songs!

Oh, but you got yourself a hit
and another Grammy nomination.

I hope you're happy.

Okay, girls,
that's water under the bridge.

I had a chance to revive my career.

-He wanted the best singer.
-Hey, Carolyn, Carolyn!

I should run this down your throat!

-Go on and try.
-[OTHERS SHOUTING]

How could you do a thing like that to me?

Come on, quit it! Both of you.

Listen to your grandmother now.

-Carolyn, let it go.
-It was my sh*t! And you stole it from me!

-Carolyn...
-Daddy!

He's gonna keep on taking
her side like that?

Oh, you and Daddy, you're two of a kind.

You think you're so blessed
to be Daddy's favorite,

but you better watch how you step.

-Come on.
-'Cause you're gonna end up just like him.

Carolyn...

WOMAN: The 19th Annual
Grammy Awards welcomes

the Queen of Soul, Miss Aretha Franklin.

Miss Franklin, how does it feel
to be here tonight?

It feels absolutely wonderful.
I'm so glad to be here

with my brother Cecil and my son.

And there's Glynn Turman,

recent star of the hit film Cooley High.

Miss Franklin, could we get
a picture with you and Mr. Turman?

ARETHA: Oh, sure.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

Miss Franklin, before we let you go,

a big congratulations for "Sparkle."

Is your family watching tonight
from Detroit?

They sure are. I love you, Daddy.

-[WOMAN SPEAKING OVER TV]
-Hey.

CLARENCE: Hey, hey, hey. Come on in.

-Did I miss her?
-No, you just made it. Come on.

Now, how come she
didn't go down the red carpet

-with that Glynn Turman fella?
-Big Ma, they taking it slow.

They don't need everybody
in their business.

-Hey, Daddy.
-Mm-hmm.

-Do you want her to win?
-On the fence.

-Oh, now, none of that.
-CLARENCE: Quiet down, now.

-Here it is.
-We was just joking, Big Ma.

-[APPLAUSE ON TV]
-Here.

ARETHA: Out there can understand

I'm giving him something...

Aretha might win it. You know, she's got

-kind of a wild...
-Okay.

Oh, look how pretty she looks.
Doesn't she look pretty?

CLARENCE: Hush now, quiet.

WOMAN: And the winner is...

-Aretha Franklin.
-CAROLYN: Daddy.

...Natalie Cole, "Sophisticated Lady"!

-Ooh...
-Now, that's some sh*t.

CLARENCE: You got robbed, baby girl,

-you got robbed!
-Aw, man!

-Hers was the best song.
-And it was sung the best.

-She should have won.
-How come I'm mad that she didn't win?

Because she's your sister.

And I know she can be difficult
at some times,

but she still loves you
and you still love her.

[APPLAUSE]

There you are. Mm.

Where's your family?

I told them they didn't have to stay.

Well, you know, I'm,
uh, proud to be with you,

even if I'm just your
official shoulder to cry on.

Everything I did to get this,

and I lost to some folks
who can't even sing

nearly as good as me.

I mean, they look good,
I'll give them that, but...

-[SIGHS]
-they don't have anything else.

My label doesn't support me,
because if they did, I...

I would've won. [SCOFFS SOFTLY]

And...

What?

All that work.

I worked like a dog, and for what?

Nothing.

All they do is take me for granted.

Listen. You're beautiful.

You know that?

Your songs are beautiful.

Yeah, some sh*t went down tonight,

but don't let that
make you doubt yourself.

Jerry left Atlantic,
and I still have two years left.

I don't think I have
anything else to give.

I'm done.

I hear you.

And, you know,
I can't count how many times

this show business thing
has knocked me down

and counted me out.

But then I get up...

I go for another round,

and I win.

Yeah.

You know, I heard someone say
that Aretha Franklin

-is a has-been.
-No, no, no, they didn't.

You tell me who said that,
and I'm gonna go talk to 'em.

No, I'm just gonna have some words

-With 'em, talk to 'em.
-Stop it. Come on.

You see, there's your smile.

You see, the world is full of naysayers.

I've got to remind them that the Queen,

in addition to her beauty,

possesses talent, tenacity and longevity.

I've got to remind them that,
though they can't sing their way

out of a paper bag,
Miss Franklin can sing circles

-around them in her sleep...
-Well, she can.

Without even trying, okay?

Now...

what do you say you and I...

we go up there
and we say hey to some folks?

-Sounds like a plan.
-Mm-hmm.

-Madam.
-[LAUGHS SOFTLY]

[BOTH CHUCKLING]

-Enjoy yourself tonight.
-I will. Thank you.

Clive Davis.

How you doing, man?

Ah, good to see you, Glynn.

It's always great to see you,
Miss Franklin.

I'll be back in a bit, okay?

Take care.

-Fun night, huh?
-Mm.

Oh, and congratulations
on your new launch

of Arista Records.

We have had a good first few years.

You are a legend.

One Grammy more or less
won't change that.

You and your music are gonna
live forever, I promise you.

I've heard how much
you love your artists.

They are the reason
I get out of bed every day.

-Miss Franklin?
-Hmm?

I hope our paths cross again.

-Enjoy yourself.
-Mm.

Just like I want you

Whoo-hoo

Ooh...

RACHEL: Glynn is at the altar,

-and he looks very handsome.
-CAROLYN: Ooh, and gathered to witness you

walk down the aisle, you've
got everybody who's anybody.

Re, they're saying this is

the most exciting wedding
of the year, girl.

-But now I'm nervous.
-Oh, you should be,

because marriage is a serious business.

Well, and lucky you got a deal
on the pastor marrying you.

Daddy says the deacon
wanted to charge us double

for using the church.

-What?!
-RACHEL: Lord, your first marriage

was in Ohio with the justice of the peace.

Oh, Daddy had a fit.

CAROLYN: Come on, y'all,
keep it on the good foot,

or else Re's gonna change
her mind and jet.

Re ain't going nowhere,
'cause Glynn Turman is fine.

He is a beautiful man, and I love him.

I might not be the easiest
person to be with, but...

he lets me lean on him
and I let him lean on me.

And that love you have for him
will carry you through.

Mm-hmm.

I'm sorry.

I was wrong for what I did to you.

It's nothing. It's like Big Ma said,

-it's water under the bridge.
-No, no.

You deserve an apology, and
I need to give it. I'm sorry.

Really, I am.

[ORGAN MUSIC PLAYING IN DISTANCE]

I hated you for it.

But not anymore.

[LAUGHING]

Now, come on, we're not supposed
to cry until after the wedding.

-Right, right.
-RACHEL: That's our music.

-[ORGAN MUSIC CONTINUES]
-[LAUGHS]: Oh, okay.

Congratulations.

-I love you.
-I love you.

You look beautiful.

[CL CLEARS THROAT]

Ooh-whoo!

Mm. You, uh, you sure

you don't want me to walk you
down the aisle?

-You're okay with Cecil?
-Daddy, you can't do everything.

How are you gonna walk me
down the aisle and marry us?

-[CL COUGHS]
-Are you all right?

Mm-hmm. It's a blessed, blessed day.

Mm. Mm.

Mmm-mmm.

Through love we'd be...

-[ARETHA LAUGHS]
-You look beautiful, sis.

Thank you.

Lovely as she

But isn't she lovely

Made from love?

Ah...

Your father has polyps on his vocal cords.

Typically, they're caused
by overuse of the voice.

Too much preaching, Doc.

What's the proper course of treatment?

Vocal rest is critical
to the healing process.

Well, for how long?

Couple of months.

I've got my pastor's anniversary
coming up in June.

-That's two months from now.
-Well,

you might want to get a substitute.

I have celebrated
and been celebrated every year

at New Bethel since 1946.

Rain or shine.

Now, obviously, you don't know
what you're talking about,

'cause it's absolutely
ridiculous to think that

I'm gonna sit it out.

The congregation is expecting
him to preach.

Hmm.

You need rest.

And real healing will require
lifestyle changes.

You need to stop smoking and drinking.

You're making more of this
than it really is.

Yeah, and the way things look,
you've been drinking

way too much.

Whiskey warms my vocal cords.

DOCTOR: Mm-hmm. Reverend Franklin...

[SIGHS] You could potentially
lose your voice.

Permanently.

Hmm?

I hope you'll take my advice.

This'll clear up in no time, Doc.

Daddy, the doctor knows
what he's talking about.

I'm on top of my game, baby.
They don't call me

the Million Dollar Voice for nothing.

Just promise me

that you are gonna get a little rest.

Promise me.

Doc told me not to talk.

[BOTH LAUGH]

[CONTINUES LAUGHING]

[CRICKETS CHIRPING]

[DOG BARKING IN DISTANCE]

Oh, thank you so much.

-Thanks for coming.
-Absolutely.

-Checking up on me?
-No, no.

-Uh, I was in town...
-Mm-hmm.

...in town on business
and, uh, you know, uh...

-Hmm?
-Had a venue I had to look at, so...

Checking up on me.

[SIGHS]

All right.

So, how's-how's your dad doing?

Headstrong as always.

And how's Glynn doing?

Good? He's good?

I finally found my Mr. Right.

-Well deserved.
-Mm.

I auditioned for that Blues Brothers film

-and got the part.
-I heard.

-Mm-hmm.
-Dreams come true, huh?

I mean, it's a small cameo part, but it...

yeah, it's exciting.

Is everything okay?

Well, my contract with Atlantic

is up in about a year.

You got anybody in your corner?

Not like you.

You remember when we would listen

to a recording and you would say,

"Feels good today, but let's see
how it feels in the morning"?

Yeah, sure.

Nothing I'm recording is
passing that test.

So, what are you gonna do?

Think I'm gonna do something new.

JERRY: Hmm.

Are you gonna let me in on your secret?

It's not a secret.

Ruth is booking me a gig

headlining in Las Vegas.

Interesting.

And I will

be singing a show full of disco songs.

Hmm.

Don't you say it.

[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]

Do not say, "I told you so."

[LAUGHING] I'm-I'm not.

Are you laughing at me?

-I'm not laughing at you.
-You're laughing at me.

-I...
-You think I sold out?

No. Absolutely not. No, no, no.

You're-you're an artist.
Okay? You're experimenting.

You're-you're pushing yourself
like you always do.

You know, if you weren't afraid
to try new things,

you'd still be singing
gospel music in a church.

You know, you change with the times,

but you always find a way
to remain true to yourself.

That's part of your brilliance.

You know,

I guess I'm gonna have to find
a new nickname for you,

because Our Lady of Mysterious Sorrows

-doesn't really apply anymore...
-[CHUCKLES]

...because you're happy.

-Yeah.
-Yeah.

I'll do it, then.

Yeah. Do it. Good. Yes.

Just, uh...

Just keep going, okay?

Yeah.

Is that a deal, Miss Franklin?

That is a deal, Mr. Wexler.

-All right, let's celebrate...
-[LAUGHS]

-...with some of this world-famous cake.
-[LAUGHS]

Well, I hope you like it.
It's my, my grandmama's recipe.

-Mmm. Oh, it's really good.
-Mm-hmm.

-What store did this come from?
-Oh! Now, you know

that it was not a store-bought...

What-what store
did your Grandmother get it at?

-[LAUGHS]
-I'm kidding.

EMCEE: Ladies and gentlemen,

put your hands together

for The Queen of Soul!

I swear, baby, you sound so good.

-[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
-CECIL: Ooh,

you've got a crowd out there
who loves you.

-And you look good.
-Mm-hmm.

And you look like you're having fun.

-I am.
-[CHUCKLES]

-I feel good.
-Nice.

Right on. [CHUCKLES]

[CRYING]

EMCEE: Are you all ready for some fun?

-[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]
-I can't hear you.

Are you ready for some fun?

[LOUDER CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]

Well, then give it up
for your Queen of Soul,

Aretha Franklin!

Hmm.

Yeah.

Yes.

[GRUNTS] Okay.

[GRUNTS]

-[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]
-Yeah

Oh

Bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, boy

Why don't I shake it

Don't get mad and get flaky

'Cause this dance you don't know

Let Aretha show you how it go

So just spread your feet out

Move your hands all about

Bend over, big rover

We're gonna tear the joint up

And then we're gonna jump

We're gonna shake a little fun

You're doing fine

Hey, baby, you're right on time

There's a bump

And I hope your mama don't call

-No, no
-Jump, jump

We're gonna keep it...

GLYNN: I mean, you got to give it to her.

Hey, baby...

She doesn't give up.

Ah, amen, brother. Right here. Ah.

Ah.

'Cause your movement just sets me free

Mm-hmm.

[BLOWING]

Who's there?

Love the way you party hard now

I don't want nothing

To tear us apart

You do, I do fine, yeah

Oh, my partner 'bout to shake a leg

And there's one thing I need to know

If you love me, baby, tell me so

Hey, and then we're gonna jump

We're gonna shake a little fun

You're doing fine

Hey, know you're right on time

There's a bump

I hope my daddy don't call, no

-Jump
-We're gonna

Keep it in the groove

Yeah, do it, baby, do it, baby

[VOCALIZES]

Bum, bum, bum, bum
Bum, bum, bum, bum, boy

Yeah...

[CL GROANS]

Jump in, jump in

Jump in, jump, jump in

Jump in, jump in

[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]

AUDIENCE [CHANTING]: Aretha! Aretha!

Aretha! Aretha! Aretha!

Aretha!

[THEME MUSIC PLAYING]