 Jennifer Holliday originated the role on Broadway in 1981 and won a Tony Award for her performance as well as the Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for its re-release in 1982 for which it became a number-one R&B hit for Holliday.Jennifer Hudson portrayed Effie in the 2006 film adaptation of "Dreamgirls", winning an Oscar for the role.Hudson's version became a Top 20 R&B single, and a number-one dance hit.