This Friday and Saturday Night at 7:30 , Our Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra will be putting on a concert that pays tribute to a true cultural icon,the great Aretha Franklin.
Known as the "Queen of Soul," Franklin was a powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and pianist whose influence on music and culture remains unparalleled.. Born in 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Detroit, Michigan, she blended her gospel roots with soul, R&B, and pop to create timeless hits like Respect, Natural Woman, and Chain of Fools. Her voice, both powerful and emotive became an anthem for the civil rights and women's rights movements, inspiring generations with her music and activism. With 18 Grammy Awards and over 75 million records sold worldwide, Franklin’s legacy extends beyond music, shaping the landscape of modern soul and R&B while paving the way for future artists.
The singer who will be harnessing her inner Aretha Franklin for Friday and Saturday night’s concerts is the spectacular Broadway star Capathia Jenkins.
Capathia Jenkins is a versatile American actress and singer known for her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence. A celebrated Broadway performer, she has starred in productions such as Caroline, Newsies, The Civil War, and Martin Short’s: Fame Becomes Me, where she showcased her dynamic voice and ability to captivate audiences.
Beyond Broadway, Jenkins has built a distinguished career as a concert soloist, frequently performing with major symphony orchestras worldwide, including the Cleveland Orchestra, Toronto Symphony, Pittsburg Symphony, and Houston Symphony....to name just a few... Her ability to blend jazz, gospel, and classical influences has made her a sought-after performer in both theatre and live music, solidifying her reputation as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.
Capathia Jenkins has spent years performing the music of the legendary Aretha Franklin, but the singer still feels humbled every time she steps on stage to honour the Queen of Soul.
“She means everything to me,” Jenkins says. “We all call her the Queen of Soul. I think there was only one singular, unique Queen of Soul—there will never be another. I'm so grateful that I lived in a lifetime where I could hear her all the time, go see her live.”
Jenkins is in Winnipeg this week to perform Aretha: A Tribute with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. The show, which also features singer Ryan Shaw, celebrates Franklin’s unmatched vocal prowess and musical legacy.
A Personal Connection to Aretha
Growing up singing in church, Jenkins felt a deep connection to Franklin, who also started her career in gospel music. However, it wasn’t until she saw the 2018 documentary Amazing Grace that she truly felt the depth of that bond.
“I didn't feel as connected to her as I did once that documentary came out,” Jenkins says. “I went to the movie by myself, bucket of popcorn, and when she started to sing Amazing Grace—just tears and popcorn. It was just so amazing. That is when I really felt a kindred spirit to her.”
That authenticity is something Jenkins strives to bring to her own performances. Rather than attempting to imitate Franklin, she aims to embody the spirit and raw emotion that made her music so powerful.
“It's certainly not an imitation. She was a unique talent. For me, the way I approach her music—there was something about her that always struck me. No matter what she was singing, within two notes, you knew it was Aretha.”
Bringing Aretha’s Spirit to the Stage
For Jenkins, the key to a great tribute is sincerity. “I think it's important to be authentic. Audiences are so much smarter than I think sometimes performers give them credit for. They can spot a fraud. Are they leaning forward to be with you, or are they sitting back going, 'Hmm'?”
That honesty extends to the setlist as well. “One of the most important things was that we be able to have some of her gospel in the show,” Jenkins says. “It was a big part of her life, how she grew up singing in her father’s church.”
One particularly special moment in the show is the performance of Nobody Does It Better. “Aretha performed it at Marvin Hamlisch’s memorial,” Jenkins recalls. “I was there that day, and I don’t even think I took a breath. It was the most magical and spiritual moment.”
Chemistry and the Power of a Symphony
Sharing the stage with Ryan Shaw, Jenkins says the performance is as much about their chemistry as it is about the music. “You cannot fake chemistry,” she says. “We are great friends on stage and off, and over the years, we've just gotten a little more loose on stage, which in turn makes the audience more comfortable.”
Adding to the magic of the evening is the presence of a full symphony orchestra. “There's something incredible about a symphony orchestra,” Jenkins says. “When you hear the strings soaring, the horns blaring—it really is extraordinary. As a singer, I like to think of myself as part of the group, letting the music breathe.”
Beyond her work honouring Aretha Franklin, Jenkins also tours with another show, She’s Got Soul, which explores the music of Adele, Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, and Sade.
For now, though, she’s focused on bringing Aretha’s music to Winnipeg—despite the city’s frigid winter weather. “I got in yesterday, went out, and walked a little—oh my God, so cold!” Jenkins laughs. “Someone on Facebook told me, ‘By the way, it’s winter.’”
Winnipeg audiences can catch Aretha: A Tribute at the Centennial Concert Hall this Friday and Saturday Night.
Here Chris Wolf's conversation with Capathia Jenkins here: