Lizzo to Play Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Upcoming Amazon MGM Studios Biopic

Lizzo is putting on her guitar strap to take on the role of the iconic original soul sister, Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Amazon MGM Studios‘ upcoming biopic Rosetta, according to Deadline.

Per the publication, the project is currently in development with producers Lizzo, Kevin Beisler, Significant Productions’ Nina Yang Bongiovi and Forest Whitaker. Natalie Chaidez and Kwynn Perry are writing the screenwriters.

An early description of the project says the film “captures a pivotal period in her life — one of groundbreaking innovation, defiant passion, and secret love. As she shatters musical boundaries with her signature guitar sound, Rosetta must navigate societal constraints, conceal her love for another woman, and ultimately transform a wedding into one of the most legendary concerts in history — the first stadium show.”

Tharpe, often called the “Godmother of Rock and Roll,” blazed a trail for generations to come with her gospel folk and mastery of her signature Gibson SG guitar. From her 1938 recording of “Rock Me” through sold-out performances in the 1940s and 50s, Tharpe was known for her unique mix of gospel vocals and driving electric guitar playing, influencing a slew of later rock n’ roll icons from Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry to Johnny Cash and Little Richard.

She was inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame posthumously in 2018, and received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2020. The star died in 1973 after suffering a stroke.

Tharpe has previously been portrayed onscreen by Yola in Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic, Elvis.