Christian musician's song used in Fifty Shades of Grey, author thought it was a rom-com

 Reuters

A Christian singer gave permission for one of his songs to be used in the 50 Shades of Grey film because he believed it was a romantic comedy.

Paul Janeway, lead of singer of soul band St Paul and the Broken Bones, based in Birmingham, Alabama, told the website Mother Jones he hadn't heard of the film, based on EL James' erotic BDSM novel.

He said: "When they presented the licensing opportunity, they presented it as: It's going to be a huge movie, they want to put a decent amount of the song in the movie in a nonsexual scene.

"I knew it was a book, but I had no idea what it was. So I was like, sure, big movie, good exposure. I'll be in this romantic comedy. Which is what I thought it was: a romantic comedy. It's a good way to make money in the music business, you know. Then I saw a preview for it, and I was like, '...Oh, no. What have I done?'

Janeway, who grew up in a strict religious household, wanted to be a preacher until he was 18 and learned to sing at his Pentecostal-leaning church.

His current music has its roots in church, and religion is still part of Janeway's life - but he says the relationship remains complicated.

related articles
Fifty Shades glamourises abuse, say campaigners
Fifty Shades glamourises abuse, say campaigners

Fifty Shades glamourises abuse, say campaigners

Fifty Shades of Grey: The Christian Today review
Fifty Shades of Grey: The Christian Today review

Fifty Shades of Grey: The Christian Today review

Fifty Shades and Trash: Two films, but only one worth seeing

Fifty Shades and Trash: Two films, but only one worth seeing

Craig Gross of XXX Church on why Christian Grey is the worst boyfriend imaginable
Craig Gross of XXX Church on why Christian Grey is the worst boyfriend imaginable

Craig Gross of XXX Church on why Christian Grey is the worst boyfriend imaginable

News
A mother’s love: a reflection of God’s heart
A mother’s love: a reflection of God’s heart

Mother’s Day is upon us and if you’re still searching for the perfect gift, maybe this article found you right on time. 

The medieval origins of Mothering Sunday
The medieval origins of Mothering Sunday

What is most significant is that the particular tradition of ‘Mothering Sunday’ – as found in the UK, Ireland and some Commonwealth countries – has its roots in an event that is much older than the US celebration and the commercial card-giving and gift-giving that the US event has inspired. And these roots express Christian beliefs and practices.

How the world’s oldest story of a women’s rights campaign is the Bible
How the world’s oldest story of a women’s rights campaign is the Bible

What is probably the world’s first recorded successful women’s rights campaign is in the Bible. Here is the story ...

Who are some of the most significant mothers of the Bible?
Who are some of the most significant mothers of the Bible?

On Mothering Sunday, we can remember the famous mothers of the Bible. Many of these mothers played an important role not only in the Bible, but also in history and theology. This is the story …