She’s paying homage to the pioneer!
Lizzo — the chart-topping, genre-defying, multi-hyphenate queen — is set to portray the legendary Sister Rosetta Tharpe in an upcoming biopic from Amazon MGM Studios, Variety reports.
Titled “Rosetta,” the film will chronicle the groundbreaking life of the woman widely credited as the godmother of Rock & Roll, whose electric guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and fearless artistry paved the way for the likes of Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and so many more. The story will dive into a pivotal era of Tharpe’s life — one marked by bold innovation, defiant passion, and secret love.
Lizzo, a four-time Grammy winner and cultural icon in her own right, will not only star as Tharpe but also serve as a producer on the project. She took to social media to announce the biopic and share more about how important this project was for her and why it’s so Tharpe’s legacy needs to be preserved.
“Let me be very clear: there were no auditions for Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Because this is a film I’ve been producing for years, fighting for her story to get told…I’ve been honoring her in my music videos & performances…pitching her movie to people who’ve never heard of her…studying her life and reading every book that exists about her. This is my baby, my passion – because Rosetta deserves. The Godmother of Rock n Roll is in good hands y’all. Stay tuned,” wrote Lizzo.
For Rosetta, Lizzo is joined by an all-star creative team: writers Natalie Chaidez (The Flight Attendant) and Kwynn Perry (Tigerbelles), along with producers Kevin Beisler and Significant Productions’ Nina Yang Bongiovi and Forest Whitaker. According to early descriptions, the film will explore how Sister Rosetta Tharpe shattered musical boundaries and societal expectations. At the heart of the story is a powerful story of transformation, authenticity, identity, all against the backdrop of turning a wedding into one of the most legendary concerts in music history: the first-ever stadium show.
Though Tharpe passed away in 1973, her influence continues to ripple through pop culture. Her music has recently appeared in shows and films like Atlanta, A League of Their Own, Death on the Nile, and Elvis & Nixon. She was even portrayed in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis by British musician Yola. But with Rosetta, this trailblazing icon is finally getting the full spotlight she deserves.
Lizzo being at the helm of the project feels more than fitting. A a powerhouse performer who blends vulnerability, confidence, and musical brilliance, has long been paying homage to Tharpe’s influence on her own career, this new biopic being the culmination of that honor.
The star recently released two new singles, Still Bad and Love in Real Life, the latter being the title track from her upcoming fifth studio album. Her work expands across music, film, and television, including the Emmy-winning Watch Out For The Big Grrrls, has made her one of the most influential voices of this generation. Now, the new Rosetta biopic will extend her imprint in the industry. No word yet on when Rosetta will release but we can’t wait!
Cover photo: Lizzo to Star as the Godmother of Rock & Roll In Upcoming Sister Rosetta Tharpe Biopic/Photo credit: Christopher Polk/Billboard/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images/Rolling Stone