Genius: Aretha
Not everyone was delighted when a Brit was cast as American icon Aretha Franklin, but Cynthia Erivo, from South London, is terrific as the legendary singer and musician, as is Courtney B. Vance, who plays her father, a boozy, womaniser despite being a preacher.
This eight-part drama traces Franklin’s stellar career and begins with her in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, in 1967, recording her first album for Atlantic Records after six unsuccessful years with Columbia.
Courtney B. Vance is terrific as Aretha Franklin's father, a boozy, womaniser despite being a preacher. Also stars Shaian Jordan (above, with Vance) as the young Aretha