Lizzo is stepping into the shoes of a true music pioneer. The Grammy-winning artist is set to portray the Godmother of Rock and Roll, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Amazon MGM Studios’ upcoming biopic Rosetta.

The film will explore a defining chapter in Tharpe’s life. Lizzo will star and step into a producer role alongside Forest Whitaker, Nina Yang Bongiovi of Significant Productions, and Kevin Beisler. The screenplay is penned by Natalie Chaidez and Kwynn Perry.

A Trailblazing Story

According to Variety, Rosetta will capture “a pivotal period” in Tharpe’s journey. It will be one marked by musical revolution, personal defiance, and hidden love. As she pushed the boundaries of Gospel and Blues, crafting the signature guitar sound that laid the foundation for Rock and Roll, Tharpe also had to navigate the societal constraints of her time. The film is likely to tap into the secrecy surrounding her love for another woman.

One of the film’s climactic moments will highlight Tharpe’s groundbreaking wedding-turned-concert, which became the first stadium show in history. A moment that solidified her as a legend.

The Overlooked Godmother of Rock & Roll

Despite shaping what would become one of the biggest musical genres in history, Sister Rosetta Tharpe has often been overlooked in mainstream discussions of the genre. Rising to fame in the 1930s and 1940s, her electrifying performances and innovative guitar techniques inspired generations of artists. Yet, as Rock and Roll evolved into what many viewed as a predominantly White genre, her influence was often erased.

Tharpe’s legacy has recently gained more recognition, with musicians and historians shedding light on her pivotal role and influence. She was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, and British-born Americana artist Yola portrayed her in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis in 2022.

Lizzo’s Passion for the Role

Lizzo is known for her powerhouse vocals, dynamic performances, and love for honoring Black musical history. It seemed perfectly fitting for her to bring Tharpe’s story to life. Though primarily recognized for her pop and hip-hop-infused sound, Lizzo’s musicality and deep appreciation for genre-defying Black artists makes her a natural choice to portray the woman who changed music forever.

With the upcoming biopic, Amazon MGM Studios is set to give Sister Rosetta Tharpe the flowers she has long deserved and Lizzo is ready to deliver.

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