Taraji P. Henson On 'The Color Purple'

This podcast episode explores Taraji P. Henson's role as Shug Avery in the film adaptation of the musical "The Color Purple." Henson discusses her initial hesitation in taking on the role due to the demanding singing requirements, but shares how she overcame her fear through extensive vocal training and collaboration with her vocal coach. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling in her singing approach and describes the process of preparing for the role. Henson also reflects on her connection to the character and highlights the significance of the story, particularly its representation of Black women on screen. The episode also touches on Henson's career, her experiences with typecasting, and the impact of her iconic character Cookie Lyon in the show Empire. Mental health awareness is another important topic discussed in the episode, along with the significance of storytelling in promoting healing and sisterhood within the Black community.