Photo credit: www.rollingstone.com
Lizzo will take on the role of rock & roll trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe in an upcoming film being developed by Amazon MGM Studios, as reported by Deadline.
Tharpe was a remarkable guitarist and vocalist who significantly impacted numerous rock legends, such as Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan. Will Hermes, a contributor for Rolling Stone, remarked on Tharpe’s unique legacy when she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s “Influences” category in 2017, describing her as “a queer black woman from Arkansas who shredded on electric guitar, belted praises both to God and secular pleasures, and broke the color line touring with white singers.” Tharpe is often regarded as gospel music’s first superstar who truly revolutionized the genre by incorporating rock elements.
As detailed by Deadline, Rosetta will chronicle Tharpe’s professional journey and explore her complex personal life as a previously undisclosed queer woman. Moreover, the film will showcase her highly publicized marriage to her manager, Russell Morrison, which took place in front of a 25,000-strong crowd in Washington, making it one of the first major stadium rock concerts. Initially conceived as a promotional stunt, the wedding evolved into a genuine partnership. In a 2021 piece for Rolling Stone, Brittany Spanos noted that the event featured Tharpe’s backup singers as bridesmaids and included a performance for attendees who were aware of the theatrical nature of the ceremony.
Lizzo will not only star in the film but will also co-produce alongside Forest Whitaker, Kevin Beisler, and Nina Yang Bongiovi. The screenplay will be penned by Natalie Chaidez and Kwynn Perry.
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Lizzo has achieved her own notable milestones, becoming the first Black woman to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year since 1994 with her hit “About Damn Time” in 2023. Prior to this achievement, her breakout single “Truth Hurts” dominated the Hot 100 for seven weeks, marking the longest run at No. 1 for a solo female rap artist. Additionally, Lizzo made her silver screen debut in the 2019 film Hustlers, starring alongside acclaimed artists Jennifer Lopez and Cardi B.
Recently, Lizzo has released two singles: “Still Bad” and “Love In Real Life.” The latter is also the title of her anticipated fifth studio album, which is forthcoming.
Source
www.rollingstone.com