Mick Jagger to Produce Biopic on Gospel Legend Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Scripted by Onjanue Ellis-Taylor

Rock icon Mick Jagger, frontman of The Rolling Stones, is set to produce a cinematic tribute to the trailblazing gospel singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The screenplay for this highly anticipated biopic will be penned by Oscar-nominated actress Onjanue Ellis-Taylor, according to Deadline.

The film will be brought to life by Tribeca Studios, Jagged Films, and Inaudible Productions, with the blessing of Tharpe’s estate, paving the way for her original songs to grace the soundtrack. The project draws inspiration from Gayle Wald’s biography, Shout, Sister, Shout!: The Untold Story of Rock-and-Roll Trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe, with exclusive adaptation rights secured by the filmmakers.

Joining Jagger as producers are Victoria Pearman, Jane Rosenthal, Berry Welsh, Peter Afterman, Michael Rapino, and Ryan Croft from Live Nation Productions. Gayle Wald will serve as the executive producer, ensuring the story stays true to Tharpe’s legacy.

Hailed as the “Godmother of Rock and Roll,” Sister Rosetta Tharpe, born in Arkansas, rose to prominence in the 1930s and 1940s. Her pioneering blend of gospel and raw energy influenced legends like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. Over her career, Tharpe recorded 15 albums, with standout tracks like «Didn’t It Rain», «Up Above My Head», and «Strange Things Happening Every Day». She passed away in 1973 at age 58.

Though her contributions were underappreciated during her lifetime, Tharpe’s legacy was cemented with her 2018 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her only notable screen portrayal to date was by singer Yola in the film Elvis, but this new biopic promises to shine a brighter light on her groundbreaking influence.