The first time we see Jennifer Hudson as a teenage Aretha Franklin in the sweeping and rousing biopic “Respect,” she’s singing in church. Much deeper into the story, after Franklin has been crowned the Queen of Soul and has been through every high and low imaginable through the decades, she’s singing … in church.

Faith and spirituality are a constant theme in “Respect,” which has sneak preview screenings Sunday before opening in theaters Thursday (full review coming soon) and is sure to have Hudson in the conversation for a second Academy Award. (She won best supporting actress for her feature debut in 2006’s “Dreamgirls.”)

“Faith is very important,” said Hudson in a recent conversation on a hotel terrace on a sunny summer afternoon in her hometown of Chicago. “It’s the base of her, and myself. It’s the thing that helped me get through the film and it’s the thing that felt most at home. When we were shooting that scene [with Aretha as a teenager], I felt like, ‘This is church.’ You can’t really script that. … That was the most important thing to me to maintain throughout the film: her faith, and the gospel in her music, no matter what genre she sang, no matter where she was in life, gospel was always the blueprint and her faith was always present.”

Hudson has been on the road for a multi-city tour to promote “Respect,” and it’s the first time she’s been out and about since the outbreak of the pandemic.

“I’ve lost count of how many cities it’s been,” she said. “I feel like I’ve been in it for a while. This is the first thing where I’ve been out. It was overwhelming at first, but I’m enjoying it. [But] I can’t help but think of how Aretha Franklin brought so many people together in life with her music. So, what better way to pay homage to her life than everybody seeing this movie in theaters.”

MGM

When we think of biographical films about famous pop and rock and soul idols, it’s often performers who are actors first and musicians second, e.g., Jamie Foxx in “Ray,” Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon in “Walk the Line,” Rami Malek in “Bohemian Rhapsody.” (Barbra Streisand and Lady Gaga played fictional characters in their respective star turns in “A Star Is Born.”) With “Respect,” we have an established music superstar playing a generational legend. Was that more of a challenge for Hudson, because we know her persona and her voice so well?

“You know what? Yes. It seems like it would be a plus, but it was just as much of a challenge. Like, how I can approach this in a way that’s different from just Jennifer Hudson singing a tribute to Aretha Franklin? And then, how do you even gather the essence of her that’s so familiar to people as well? During filming, that’s what stayed with me: Am I supposed to try to sound like her, or do I use more of my voice?

“I sat with a dialect coach and talked about how our vocal instruments are built differently. Our approaches are different. So yes, I’m singing it, but I’m using [Aretha’s] approach, her nuances and inflections, the place where she sings from.

“And then you have to consider the narrative, where we are along the timeline. For example, the song ‘Ain’t No Way.’ I, as Jennifer Hudson, know the song completely, I can sing it and I know every lick. Whereas, in the context of the film, she’s learning the song, so now I have to unlearn the song and approach it as if I’m just now discovering it.”

In addition to all the familiar Aretha Franklin hits, “Respect” features a new number, “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home”), co-written by Hudson with the great Carole King (who of course co-wrote Franklin’s classic “Natural Woman” with Gerry Goffin).

Sun-Times file

“We did it via Zoom during the pandemic,” said Hudson. “She pulled from her experiences with Aretha, knowing her, and then also my church upbringing. She wanted me to be a part of the writing process. Imagine Carole King saying, ‘You go write this,’ and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, thank you!’

“This was the parallel I felt with Aretha. You can’t tell me she didn’t sing her way home. She sang to her last breath, and we all got to witness that. And I walk around thinking all the time, just to get home here to Chicago. I always find myself, every day, singing my way back home. Another note, another song to get there.”

Most of the songs in “Respect” were performed live, which gives the film an extra layer of authenticity but also means Hudson had to perform multiple takes of each number for different camera angles.

“Probably 14 of the 18 songs on the soundtrack were done live,” she said. “As an actor, I wanted to experience these songs as Aretha did in her life. So, anything that she sang live in concert, we’ll sing it live. If it’s a recording session, then we’ll record it.”

Multiple threads run through “Respect,” from the timeline of Franklin’s career to her problems with alcohol to her differences with her family to the abusive relationships she survived. But considerable time is also devoted to Franklin’s devotion to civil rights.

“That was so honorable of her, for her to take a stand when she was in a position where she didn’t necessarily have to,” said Hudson. “But that showed the heart of her, and how much she loved her people, and how conscious she was of her time. And it can’t help but make artists like myself think, ‘What I am doing with my platform? What CAN I do with my platform?’ “

As for being back home, Hudson said: “This is still home. There’s no place LIKE home. People are always like, ‘What are you doing here? Are you singing here?’ And I’m like, ‘I live here, I’m from here.’ People have this perception that all celebrities live in Hollywood or New York, but no. Chicago is my home and always will be.”

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A man was shot to death early Friday in Back of the Yars on the South Side.

The 31-year-old man was sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle with a female about 2:15 a.m. when a gunman approached on foot and opened fire in the 5200 block of South Ashland Avenue, Chicago police said.

After the shooting, the female drove to the 7600 block of South Chicago Avenue where he was picked up by paramedics, police said.

He suffered multiple gunshot wounds on the body and was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said. He hasn’t been identified.

No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate.

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Moon Alert

Avoid shopping or making important decisions after 5 p.m. Chicago time. The moon is in Cancer.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Social plans might suddenly change. You might encounter a cancellation to an event or perhaps, instead, you might get an unexpected invitation? Meanwhile, guard against sports accidents and accidents with your kids. Be vigilant! Slow down and take it easy. Keep your eyes open.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Your home routine will be interrupted because small appliances might break down or minor breakages could occur. It could be as minor as burning the toast at breakfast, or you might have a domestic argument or worse. Patience is your best ally today. Especially be patient with parents.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Pay attention to everything you say and do because this is an accident-prone day for your sign. Be extra careful jogging, walking, biking and driving. Slow down and be mindful and aware. Think before you speak and act. Guard against knee-jerk reactions. Do what you can to keep everything smooth and happy.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Keep an eye on your money and your possessions today because something unexpected, out of the blue, could affect your assets. For example, you might find money or you might lose money. Be wise and guard what you own against loss, theft or damage. Better safe than sorry.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Today the sun is in your sign at odds with unpredictable Uranus. This could encourage an argument with someone. It might make you overreact or be impulsive and say or do rash things that you might regret. It might also encourage accidents. Be vigilant and stay chill.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Today you might feel restless and at odds with things around you. You might not know why but you have that feeling that you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. Relax, there is definitely a restless influence out there. Stay calm and take it easy.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Something unusual might take place today with a friend or a group. You might suddenly meet someone unusual, which in turn, leads to a very different situation. Or you might have difficulty with a friend and the friendship might end. Your interaction with a group might go sideways. Be tactful.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

This is a tricky day with authority figures — parents, bosses, teachers, VIPs and the police. They might suddenly do something that catches you off guard. You might also feel like lashing out or rebelling against any kind of restriction. Stay calm and never underestimate the power of courtesy.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Travel plans might suddenly change today. Perhaps they will be canceled; or perhaps you suddenly have to travel? Likewise, school plans might change. Something unusual and unexpected connected with the church, libraries, universities or the government might occur.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Stay on top of things, especially financially speaking. Make friends with your bank account. Something unexpected could affect shared property or anything that you own jointly with others. Lovers’ quarrels might erupt today, especially about intimacy.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Relations with partners and close friends are challenging today. Someone might be demanding. You might be demanding. Things might change so fast that a relationship is threatened or it might end? Or maybe you will have a little tiff — nothing to worry about.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Your work routine will have some surprises today. Computer glitches, power outages, staff shortages something unexpected will affect how you do things. This could be an accident-prone day for your pet, so be alert!

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actress Soleil Moon Frye (1976) shares your birthday. You are skilled with business and practical matters. You are also a spiritual person. People find it easy to get along with because you are gracious, diplomatic, warm and friendly. This year is the beginning of a new cycle for you, which is why you need to be open to explore your options. Be courageous and open any door!

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Two people were wounded in a shooting Thursday in Back of the Yards on the South Side.

Just after 9:45 p.m., two men, 27 and 30, were standing on a sidewalk in the 5000 block of South Justine Street when someone in a black sedan opened fire, Chicago Police said.

The 27-year-old victim was shot in his right leg, and the 30-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to his buttocks, police said.

Both were taken to University of Chicago Medical Center where their conditions were stabilized, police said.

No one was in custody.

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A fleet of yellow rubber duckies sporting sunglasses bobbed down the Chicago River on Thursday afternoon.

Crowds of smiling spectators, children blowing duck beak whistles, boat riders, kayakers and drivers cheered on the 70,000 toy ducks raising money for Special Olympics Illinois.

A truckload of them was dropped into the Chicago River from the Columbus Bridge at the 1 p.m. “Splashdown.” With the help of the Chicago Park District and Coast Guard, the ducks floated to the finish line halfway to the Michigan Avenue Bridge.

Chicago residents could “adopt” a duck for $5 to enter the race. As of Thursday afternoon, the Derby has raised about $310,340 for Special Olympics Illinois.

“We sold 70,000 duckies, which is a huge accomplishment,” said Alexandra MacMillan, the event’s communications coordinator.

The first place ducky won a 2021 Chevy Trailblazer. Second and third place duckies won an all-inclusive trip to Mexico and $2,000, respectively.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

Before the race, families milled around the festival of games, music and food at 401 N. Michigan Ave. Visitors lined the Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. The Derby also hosted a virtual festival for those who could not attend in person.

Becky Cavanagh, a Special Olympics Illinois global messenger and athlete, sold about 900 rubber ducks. The race day was also her sixteenth birthday.

“There’s a lot of people who like Becky and believe in this cause,” said Joe Cavanagh of his daughter with Down syndrome.

Nina Molina

The Clarendon Hills family has been attending and fundraising for the Ducky Derby for eight years.

“I do horseback riding, rhythmic gymnastics and swimming,” said Becky Cavanagh. “And, I’m excited for the boat ride.”

Many other Special Olympics Illinois athletes brought their families to support the cause.

“Nate’s one of the best golfers in the state of Illinois,” said Holly Simon, mother of the Special Olympian. “We support him every chance we get.”

Nate Simon, 18, has been golfing for 10 years but also participates in gymnastics, swimming, basketball and track and field events.

Nina Molina

His older sister, Lindsey, also came along to support “Nate the Great,” or “The Mayor of Chicago,” as Nate has won over 100 Special Olympics medals and makes friends with everyone he meets.

“We love what Special Olympics Illinois does for our children,” said Holly Simon. “He’s met amazing people and friends, and he’s had a blast along the way.”

This year’s Ducky Derby Ambassador is Mallory Taylor, a Special Olympics Illinois athlete from Naperville.

The first rubber ducky that passed through the plastic tunnel near the finish line won. The 24-year-old thrust the lucky ducky into the air for the crowds to see.

“It (Special Olympics Illinois) has a special place in my heart,” said Taylor, after the race. “It was great, and I am very proud.”

Taylor’s boyfriend of 10 years, Mike Riordan, and Taylor’s parents, Bonnie and Bob, cheered her on from the Riverwalk.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

Taylor’s team, the Darling Ducklings, a group of about 25 Special Olympics Illinois athletes, sold over 13,000 ducks.

“Thank you for the support and this great experience,” Taylor said.

Bonnie Taylor echoed her daughter’s enthusiasm.

“Chicago and the state of Illinois have been so supportive of Special Olympics,” she said. “It’s been quite an honor.”

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

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Memo to the first-place White Sox:

If you make it to the World Series, I have taken the liberty, on the authority of no one, to ask none other than Jennifer Hudson if she’d be interested in singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the first home game on the South Side of Chicago.

Spoiler alert: She’s all-in.

“You do understand, that’s one of my dreams,” Hudson told me Thursday. “As a little girl riding through the city of Chicago, I used to dream of singing [at Comiskey Park]. My grandmother — and that’s who I got my voice from — used to love to watch baseball. I would watch with her.

“And it’s still one of my dreams. I would absolutely love to sing [the national anthem] if they make it.”

Not that I have any sway whatsoever in the matter, but as Hudson said, “Yes, you do, if you write it. I love this idea. This is our pact. It’s going to happen, and you’re going to write about it again, you’re going to say, ‘I wrote it and it happened,’ and you can take all the credit.”

Who am I to argue?

Go Sox.

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Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Thursday refused to say whether Park District Supt. Mike Kelly should keep his job after waiting six weeks to launch an investigation into a female lifeguard’s complaint of sexual harassment and physical abuse — breaking his promise to her and, potentially, violating park district rules.

At an unrelated news conference, Lightfoot was asked repeatedly if Kelly should be disciplined or fired for promising a young woman he would immediately investigate her complaints of rampant abuse at Oak Street Beach but then waiting six weeks to do so. He did not act until after a second complaint alleging sexual assault was forwarded to him by the mayor’s office, the Sun-Times has learned.

Her reply implied the problem already was solved:

“The park district earlier this year took a number of steps to address the issue in that particular program” such as renewed training and “getting rid of people that were problematic,” Lightfoot said. “So I feel like they’ve taken the steps that are necessary. But we can never rest on issues like this.”

Pressed again about whether waiting 41 days was her idea of an immediate investigation, Lightfoot reverted to now-familiar talking points about the lifeguard scandal that has been brewing at the Park District for months, with allegations going back for years and involving, for now, 15 women.

“As I said before, any time there’s an allegation that a child has been violated in any way, everyone has to be immediately focused, taking it seriously, investigating it and making sure that that child is taken out of harm’s way, period,” Lightfoot said, sounding as if she were trying to straddle the line between a concerned parent and a mayor defending the park district boss she inherited and decided to keep.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported this week that in February 2020, an Oak Street Beach lifeguard sent 11 pages of explosive allegations to Kelly, detailing a frat-house environment at the beach during the summer of 2019. She said she’d been pushed into a wall, called sexually degrading and profane names by fellow lifeguards and abandoned for hours at her post for refusing to take part in their drinking parties and on-the-job drug use.

“I take your assertions very seriously,” Kelly responded, assuring the young woman he was forwarding the complaint to Elaine Little, the park district’s inspector general. “Thank you for your courage and call for change.”

But he didn’t forward the complaint, the Sun-Times has learned, for about six weeks — not until after a second woman wrote her own letter to Lightfoot, who forwarded it to Kelly.

That delay runs contrary to Park District rules, which require alleged wrongdoing be reported immediately to the inspector general. The Park District’s sexual harassment policy also mandates allegations be reported “as soon as possible,” or within five business days, to human resources.

Park District Board President Avis LaVelle has not returned repeated phone calls seeking comment. Vice President Tim King did not respond to messages left by telephone and on his Urban Prep Academies email account.

Park District spokeswoman Michele Lemons declined to answer specific questions or to make Kelly available for an interview. Kelly has not responded to emails seeking comment.

Instead, Lemons has referred to a letter Kelly wrote on June 23. The letter, posted on the Park District website, claims “immediate action” was taken about unspecified allegations of misconduct by lifeguards. In it, Kelly also assures the public that employees accused of misconduct who are still under investigation by Little’s office have been placed on emergency suspension. and others were fired.

Appointed to his post in 2011 by then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Kelly remains in his $230,000-a-year job.

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The Commission on Chicago Landmarks on Thursday granted final approval of landmark status for the South Side home where blues legend Muddy Waters lived and raised his family, the quest for designation now moving to the Chicago City Council for approval.

It was the final hurdle in the journey through the Commission for the property at 4339 S. Lake Park Ave. in North Kenwood to be named a city of Chicago landmark.

Next stop is the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards. With committee approval, it then goes before the full council for vote.

The brick two-flat — where Waters lived on the first floor, rented out the top floor and had his recording studio in the basement — is owned by Waters’ great-granddaughter, Chandra Cooper, who is converting the home into The MOJO Muddy Waters House Museum.

At one time or another, legends like Otis Spann, Howlin’ Wolf and Chuck Berry lived there.

“We are so elated and happy that the city of Chicago Landmarks Commission has recognized and is honoring the home of my great-grandfather, where there is musical legacy and history,” Cooper said. “We’re on this great path toward becoming one of Chicago’s landmarks, and we are looking forward to working with the blues community, the city and the alderman on this project to leave a piece of his legacy for the city of Chicago.”

Courtesy of Chicago Department of Planning and Development

The project is among burgeoning efforts to honor Black history in a post-George Floyd era, and part of a wave of house museums within an emerging tourism sector — including those honoring Emmett Till and Mamie Till Mobley, Phyllis Wheatley and Lu and Jorja Palmer.

Arriving in Chicago from rural Issaquena County, Mississippi in 1943, the acclaimed “Father of Chicago Blues” moved his family into the home in 1954, purchasing it in 1956.

He played house parties at night for extra money, eventually becoming a regular in local nightclubs. By 1948, Chess Records released his first hits, “I Can’t Be Satisfied” and “I Feel Like Going Home,” and his career took off.

By the early ’50s, his blues band, which at one time or another comprised musicians who went on to make their own mark — Otis Spann, Little Walter Jacobs, Jimmy Rogers, Elgin Evans, Sonny Boy Williamson, James Cotton — had become one of the most acclaimed in history.

Independent record companies like Chess, King, Vee Jay, Chance and Parrot, and distributors like United and Bronzeville were then headquartered around Cottage Grove from 47th to 50th streets, and the home became a gathering place for musicians welcomed at all hours.

Waters lived there until after the death of his wife in 1973. He moved to suburban Westmont, where he lived until his death on April 30, 1983.

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