Lizzo to Star as Rock ‘n’ Roll Pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Biopic

Lizzo will portray Sister Rosetta Tharpe, an influential gospel singer and rock 'n' roll pioneer, in a new biopic. This film is currently in development at Amazon MGM Studios.

Project Overview

The biopic, titled Rosetta, will highlight key moments from Tharpe's life. It will particularly focus on her experiences as a queer Black woman. The film will also portray her transformation of a wedding ceremony into a legendary stadium concert. In addition to acting, Lizzo will serve as a producer for the project.

Lizzo expressed her excitement about the role on social media. She captioned a post on March 24, stating, "Black people made rock n roll yeaaaah."

Sister Rosetta Tharpe's Legacy

Often labeled the "Godmother of Rock and Roll," Tharpe was one of the first successful gospel recording artists. She was renowned for her skills as an electric guitarist. Tharpe's music bridged gospel and rock, resonating with rhythm and blues audiences.

Her unique style influenced iconic figures such as Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Chuck Berry, and Bob Dylan. Bob Dylan referred to her as "a powerful force of nature." He praised her vibrant personality and powerful presence, describing her in his Theme Time Radio Hour, emphasizing her talent and stage presence.

Gordon Stoker of The Jordanaires shared his admiration for Tharpe. He noted Elvis's fascination with her distinctive guitar playing. "Elvis loved Sister Rosetta," he remarked. He emphasized that her unique style captured Elvis’s attention, highlighting her exceptional talent.

Iconic Songs and Relationships

One of Tharpe’s memorable tracks is "Up Above My Head," which she recorded alongside Marie Knight. Historian Gayle Wald described their relationship as an "open secret." This collaboration further demonstrated Tharpe's musical impact and personal connections in her life.

Lizzo’s Personal Journey

For Lizzo, this project marks a significant moment in her career. She has worked meticulously during a recent period focused on her mental health. At her first concert in nearly two years on March 12, she shared her transformation story.

Lizzo expressed past struggles with deep depression that made her feel isolated. However, she recounted a pivotal moment at a concert: "Somebody I didn’t know looked at me and said, ‘Lizzo, I love you.’" This encounter reminded her of the joy in connection, reinforcing her journey back to the spotlight.

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