An upcoming biopic is about to honour Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the ‘Godmother of Rock and Roll’. The venture has been effervescent behind the scenes for years, however Amazon MGM Studios has lastly given it the inexperienced gentle – and hip-hop famous person Lizzo is about to star.

Tharpe performed a pivotal position in rock historical past, her combination of bluesy electrical riffs and gospel musing all through the ’40s and ’50s serving as one of many earliest types of rock ‘n’ roll. And Lizzo, who will play the position of Tharpe, has personally fought for the musician’s story to be informed, per Deadline.

Whereas most will know Lizzo for her glitzy pop music and upbeat rap tunes, she’s additionally extraordinarily obsessed with Black music historical past. After years of pitching the venture round, she is about to supply the venture alongside her starring position. “Let me be very clear: there have been no auditions for Sister Rosetta Tharpe,” she explains in a brand new Instagram submit. “As a result of it is a movie I’ve been producing for years, preventing for her story to get informed.”

“I’ve been honouring her in my music movies & performances, pitching her film to individuals who’ve by no means heard of her,” she continues. “[I’ve been] learning her life and studying each e book that exists about her. That is my child, my ardour – as a result of Rosetta deserves [it]. The Godmother of Rock n Roll is in good palms, y’all. Keep tuned.”

Whereas the clip appears to focus on Lizzo as a extra newbie guitarist than Tharpe, she’s placing within the graft to enhance her enjoying. Talking to radio station 103.5 KTU, she revealed: “I’ve been studying guitar!”

She explains how she’s beginning out slowly, enjoying three to 4 songs onstage an evening. However she additionally admits that it could take a while to really feel absolutely comfy enjoying. “Guitar fucking hurts so dangerous!” she cries. “My fingers are nonetheless delicate, however they’re getting there… I’ve a lot respect for guitar gamers.”

In one other Instagram submit, Lizzo makes her intention for her Tharpe biopic clear. It’s set to remind individuals of that the roots of rock ‘n’ roll are undeniably and proudly Black. “Black individuals made rock n roll, yeah!” she proclaims.

Tharpe’s impression on rock ‘n’ roll is pivotal, with the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame even honouring her in 2018. Nevertheless, her impression is commonly understated. This may even be seen when individuals talk about who hosted the primary stadium live performance. Some argue it was her – however the honour is commonly attributed to The Beatles’ 1965 Shea Stadium present in New York.

Regardless of The Beatles’ ‘65 gig, Tharpe hosted a “probably the most elaborate wedding ceremony ever staged” 14 years earlier, enjoying Griffith Stadium on third July 1951. The occasion noticed Tharpe getting married earlier than 20,000 punters. In response to NPR, newspaper adverts invited individuals to attend the marriage, which might additionally double as “the world’s best non secular live performance”. Followers got here in flocks, all eager hear the solo feminine gospel singer carry out.

The biopic is about to remember the historic live performance, in addition to how Tharpe carved out her distinctive sound. There will even be a peek behind the scenes, unravelling Tharpe’s private navigation of her bisexuality within the closely conservative ‘50s.

With Lizzo beforehand starring in crime comedy Hustlers again in 2019, in addition to showing as The Duchess in a 2023 episode of The Mandalorian, Lizzo is a confirmed thespain. She’s positive to place her utmost effort into perfecting her efficiency as Tharpe.

Alongisde Lizzo, the venture will even be produced by Kevin Beisler, Important Productions’ Nina Yang Bongiovi and Forest Whitaker. Natalie Chaidez, who labored on The Flight Attendant, and Kwynn Perry of Tigerbelles, might be writing the screenplay.