Contributed by Rebecca Johnson

Raphael Saadiq was chosen to be the executive music producer for National Geographic’s Genius:Aretha. 

The prodution is the “first-ever, definitive and only authorized series of Franklin’s life,” according to the press release. Harriet‘s Cynthia Erivo is playing the title role.

“It’s an honor to share Aretha’s genius with the world alongside the incredibly talented Cynthia Erivo and Terence Blanchard,” Saadiq said in Billboard. “We’ll hit the keys, play the parts and sing the lyrics that helped pave the way for musicians like myself to trust our artistry and challenge ourselves to be bold.”

According to the release by National Geographic, Fox 21 Studios and Imagine Television Studios, “[Saadiq] is responsible for producing, arranging and recording all of the original song elements within the series featuring live performances.”

The statement also noted that Harriet and BlacKkKlansman composer Terence Blanchard will score the series, according to Shadow and Act.

“We’re serving the Queen of Soul and we’re thrilled and blessed to have deep soul brothers like Raphael Saadiq and Terence Blanchard on our team,” said Suzan-Lori Parks, the showrunner and executive producer of the series. “They’re both accomplished musicians with diverse backgrounds–both have broken down barriers with the power of music.”

Saadiq currently on his nationwide “Jimmy Lee Tour”.

The four-night, eight-episode series will air May 25 at 9 p.m. ET on the National Geographic Channel.