Malcolm Barrett, Rebecca Naomi Jones in 'Genius: Aretha'

Actors Malcolm Barrett and Rebecca Naomi Jones have joined cast of National Geographic's Genius: Aretha. British actor Cynthia Erivo will be portraying music legend Aretha Franklin in third chapter of critically-acclaimed anthology series. first and second seasons of show explored lives of famous German scientist Albert Einstein and Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, respectively. In third season, titled Genius: Aretha, story will focus on life of titular Grammy Award winner and musical icon.

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Cast and crew of 'Genius: Aretha'

According to Deadline, Anthony Hemingway will direct and executive produce pilot episode. Barrett will play Ted White, Aretha's first husband, and business manr. Actor Patrice Covington and Jones will portray Aretha's sisters, Erma, and Carolyn Franklin, respectively, who are both talented performers in ir own right. Kimberly Hebert Gregory has been cast as Ruth Bowen, head of a successful black-owned ncy, who represents Aretha. 

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Music of third chapter

series will include some of Franklin's iconic recordings from comprehensive Warner Music catalogue, including I Never Loved a Man ( Way I Love You), Chain of Fools, Don't Play That Song, Since You've Been Gone and Baby I Love You. It will also feature singer's performances of "I Knew You Were Waiting for Me, Freeway of Love and "Sisters Are Doin' It for mselves.

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Erivo to perform some of Franklin's songs

Erivo, 32, best kwn for starring in films such as Widows and Harriet, will herself perform some of Franklin's songs. Suzan-Lori Parks, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of Topdog/Underdog, will be serving as showrunner on series. It will be executive produced by Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Francie Calfo, as well as returning executive producers from previous installments Ken Biller, Gigi Pritzker, Rachel Shane, and Sam Sokolow.

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