December 28th 2023.
Tony Award-winner LaChanze, most recognized for her lead role as Celie in the 2005 Broadway production of The Color Purple, recently made an outcry concerning her lack of creative credit for the show’s beloved song “I’m Here”.
On December 26th, LaChanze took to Twitter to express her disappointment about the matter. She stated, “I am getting a lot of DM’s and posts about why I’ve been left out of the press as the original Celie...I am thrilled for the movie’s success! Happy for all involved. However, I do want my royalty fee for the lyrics I added to ‘I’M HERE.’”
The Broadway star believes that her deep involvement with the musical merits public recognition and financial compensation. LaChanze further emphasized her creative efforts in the production of the show with a separate tweet responding to a fan, “I poured my heart and soul into that role. And was a huge part at writing ‘I’m Here.’”
Spotify, however, lists Allee Willis, Brenda Russell, and Stephen Bray as the official songwriting credits for “I’m Here.” The track, which has gained new resonance in the recently released musical film adaptation, features Grammy Award-winning singer Fantasia Barrino as the artist. Bray is credited as a producer along with Kris Bowers and Nick Baxter.
The Color Purple made a smashing opening at the box office on Christmas Day, earning $18 million in ticket sales and ranking in the No. 2 spot for the biggest Christmas Day openings “of all time.” The film achieved higher box office earnings than other recently adapted Broadway-to-screen musicals.
LaChanze’s outcry for recognition and compensation is a reminder of the importance of giving credit where it is due. Hopefully, her passionate plea will be acknowledged and the actress will be rewarded for her valuable contribution to the show.
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