Aretha × By Rick Gables National Geographic Channel, is the much anticipated 8-part anthology series, Genius: Aretha. Tony and Grammy Award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo will star as the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The episodes will explore Aretha’s musical genius and incomparable career, as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world. Additional cast include: Emmy-winning Courtney B. Vance as Aretha’s father, C.L. Franklin; Malcolm Barrett as Ted White, Aretha’s first husband and business manager; David Cross as legendary music producer Jerry Wexler; Grammy Award-winning musician and actor Tip “T.I.” Harris as Ken Cunningham; Patrice Covington and Rebecca Naomi Jones portray Erma and Carolyn Franklin, respectively, as Aretha’s sisters and frequent background singers who supported and collaborated with their famous sibling; Steven Norfleet as older brother Cecil Franklin, who stepped in as Aretha’s manager following her divorce from Ted White; veteran actress Pauletta Washington as Aretha’s nurturing and loving paternal grandmother, Rachel; Omar J. Dorsey as James Cleveland; Marque Richardson as King Curtis, Kimberly Hébert Gregory as Ruth Bowen; and introducing Shaian Jordan as young Aretha Franklin, Little Re.