Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Lizzo Set to Play Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Amazon MGM Biopic

Kathy Hutchins / shutterstock.com
Kathy Hutchins / shutterstock.com

Four-time Grammy winner, Lizzo, is set to take on a significant role that promises to showcase her on-screen talent as much as her musical prowess. In Amazon MGM Studios' upcoming biopic, Rosetta, Lizzo will portray the legendary Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Often hailed as the “Godmother of Rock and Roll,” Tharpe was a pioneering figure who intertwined gospel music with the burgeoning world of electric guitar rock, impacting a genre that would later greatly influence artists such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

Lizzo is also part of the production team alongside industry heavyweights such as Forest Whitaker and Significant Productions’ Nina Yang Bongiovi. The screenplay, penned by Natalie Chaidez and Kwynn Perry, will delve into a transformative chapter of Tharpe's life. Set against a backdrop of societal constraints, the biopic aims to explore her journey as a queer Black woman in America, whose talent and spirit transcended the boundaries of conventional music at the time. Lizzo has often honored Tharpe through her performances and widely regards her as a quintessential influence. This respect and admiration manifest in her commitment to the project, ensuring that Tharpe's story is told with the depth and nuance it deserves.

For Lizzo, the biopic comes at a pivotal time in her career. Recently, she has been navigating a return to the public eye after facing several personal and legal challenges. This opportunity to channel Tharpe's spirit and historic impact on music allows Lizzo to portray not only the triumphs of an icon but also to resonate with her audience on a deeper level of shared human experience and perseverance.

The narrative of Rosetta will focus on not just Tharpe's groundbreaking contributions to music, but also on a memorable concert she was preparing for—a significant event embodying the first-ever stadium concert. This notable performance would later cement Tharpe's status in rock and roll history, illustrating her flair not only as a musician but as a pioneer reshaping the very concept of concerts and performance art.

With Lizzo’s attachment to the role of Tharpe, the film aims to bridge the past and present, spotlighting a legend whose music has rippled through the ages, influencing innumerable artists and shaping the musical landscape we know today.

 

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Carlos Santana Santana in Concert, Nashville, FirstBank Amphitheater, Franklin, USA - 29 Sep 2021

Carlos Santana Collabs With Grupo Frontera on Single Release

Carlos Santana, a rock icon with a career spanning decades, has formed a remarkable collaboration with Grupo Frontera, a prominent…

eard ZZ Top in concert at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, Sterling Heights, USA - 08 Sep 2019

ZZ Top Announces Return of Frank Beard

Frank Beard, the dynamic drummer of ZZ Top, is back in the thick of action with the band after a…

Brian Johnson and Angus Young of AC/DC perform at the BB&T Center, Sunrise, Florida, USA - 20 Dec 2008 AC/DC in concert, BB&T Center, Sunrise, Florida, USA - 23 Dec 2008

AC/DC Ends North American Tour in Ohio

Cleveland was the closing chapter for AC/DC’s North American “Power Up” tour, proving once again that the legendary rock band…

Electric Prunes Various

James Lowe of The Electric Prunes Dies at 82

The world of psychedelic rock mourns the loss of James Lowe, the iconic lead singer and co-founder of the Electric…

Arejay Hale, Lzzy Hale of Halestorm performs at the Boardwalk Rock Festival on May 17, 2025 in Ocean City, Maryland Halestorm performs at the Boardwalk Rock Festival on May 17, 2025 in Ocean City, Maryland, MD, USA - 17 May 2025

Halestorm Reveals Title Track ‘Everest’

Halestorm, the GRAMMY Award-winning hard rock band, is making waves in the music scene with the reveal of “Everest,” the…

Evanescence - Amy Lee Download Festival, Day 2, Donington Park, UK - 09 Jun 2023

Amy Lee of Evanescence & Halsey Release Music Video

Halsey and Amy Lee of Evanescence have joined forces to create a sensational new track, “Hand That Feeds,” which is…

Thom Yorke of The Smile Festival d'ete de Quebec, Day 9, Quebec City, Canada - 14 Jul 2023

Thom Yorke Speaks Out On Palestine & Israel Conflict

Thom Yorke, the frontman of Radiohead and The Smile, has made a public statement addressing the ongoing Israel and Palestine…

Taylor Swift wearing Dior arrives at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards held at UBS Arena on September 11, 2024 in Elmont, New York, United States. 2024 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals, Ubs Arena, Elmont, New York, United States - 11 Sep 2024

Taylor Swift Regains Rights of Her Master Recordings

In a landmark move in the music industry, Taylor Swift has regained control over her master recordings. This comes after…

Goo Goo Dolls lead vocalist John Rzeznick performs at the 2025 Stagecoach Music Festival on Sunday, April 27, 2025 in Indio, CA. Stagecoach 2025 , Los Angeles, California, USA - 27 Apr 2025

Goo Goo Dolls Played at Demi Lovato’s Wedding

In a celebration as heartfelt as it was glamorous, pop star Demi Lovato tied the knot with musician Jordan “Jutes”…