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

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
Almost half of UK adults plan to attend church this Christmas, new poll finds
Almost half of UK adults plan to attend church this Christmas, new poll finds

Churches across the UK are expecting fuller pews this Christmas, as new research suggests a significant rise in the number of people planning to attend services and church-run events over the festive season.

ACNA panel recommends archbishop stand trial
ACNA panel recommends archbishop stand trial

The Board of Inquiry issued a short statement on Friday stating that there was “probable cause to present” ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood “for trial for violation of Canon 2 of this Title.”

Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message
Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message

The BBC has invited Bishop Mariann Budde, the US bishop who challenged President Donald Trump at an inauguration service in January, to give a Christmas message.

Australian church leaders stand in solidarity with Jewish community after Bondi Beach terrorist attack
Australian church leaders stand in solidarity with Jewish community after Bondi Beach terrorist attack

Christian leaders in Australia have expressed their solidarity with the country's grief-stricken Jewish community after a deadly terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday night.