This past Saturday saw dozens of artists, actors, and celebrities take part in the Stand Up To Cancer telecast. Among the musicians to take part in the cancer research benefit was Brittany Howard, who offered a rendition of “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free” by Nina Simone.

Participating in Stand Up To Cancer is far more than just a trendy cause for the Alabama Shakes singer-turn-breakout solo artist. Howard’s late sister, Jaime, suffered from retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer, and passed away as a teenager. It was for her sister that Howard named her 2019 debut solo album, and it was for her that she offered the stirring performance.

“Music has always had the power to inspire change and tonight I want to celebrate an artist who used her platform to fight for social justice and equal rights, Ms. Nina Simone,” Howard said ahead of her performance.

Related: Brittany Howard Recruits Childish Gambino For “Stay High” Cover Off ‘Jaime Reimagined’ [Listen]

Watch Brittany Howard perform Nina Simone’s “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free” as part of the 2021 Stand Up To Cancer telecast. Other artists who participated in the event—available to watch in full below—included Stevie Wonder, Common, and Simone Ledward Boseman. To learn more about Stand Up To Cancer head here.

Brittany Howard – “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free” (Nina Simone)

[Video: Brittany Howard]

Stand Up To Cancer 2021 Telecast

[Video: Stand Up To Cancer]