Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor To Pen Sister Rosetta Tharpe Biopic

Reside Nation Productions has introduced a robust new challenge honoring one among music’s best unsung pioneers: Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the “Godmother of Rock and Roll.” 

The characteristic movie can be penned by Oscar-nominated actress and screenwriter Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, with rock legend Mick Jagger amongst a heavyweight group of producers bringing Tharpe’s electrifying legacy to the large display.

A groundbreaking gospel artist and guitarist, Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s fusion of religious fervor and rock swagger predated—and influenced—icons like Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Johnny Money, and Tina Turner. But, her place in music historical past has too usually been relegated to the margins. This movie seeks to vary that.

Ellis-Taylor, finest identified for her searing performances in King Richard, Origin, and When They See Us, brings extra than simply expertise to the challenge; she brings reverence and private conviction. 

“With six guitar strings and an amplifier as a battering ram, Sister Rosetta Tharpe knocked down the Jericho partitions of conference and respectability,” Ellis-Taylor mentioned in an announcement. “I’m thrilled to accomplice with Tribeca, Jagged Movies and Inaudible Movies to usher, Sister Rosetta, a queer girl formed within the pews of the Black South, to the display.”

Backing her script is a dream group of producers from Jagged Movies, Tribeca Studios, Inaudible Productions, and Reside Nation Productions. Rock icon Mick Jagger, producing below his Jagged Movies banner alongside Victoria Pearman, expressed his pleasure to honor Tharpe’s legacy: 

“I’m so thrilled to be a component in telling the story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe who was a trailblazing singer and electrifying guitarist,” Mick Jagger mentioned in an announcement. “She reshaped music historical past and influenced numerous artists.”

Tribeca’s Jane Rosenthal, who has shepherded award-winning titles like The Irishman and Quincy, echoed the sentiment. 

“We’re proud to champion the daring storytelling of Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor to carry this enigmatic icon’s story to mild.”

Reside Nation Productions’ Head of Movie & Tv, Ryan Kroft, famous the importance of Tharpe’s story inside their catalog: “Bringing to life Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s story is an ideal instance of the tasks Reside Nation Productions does finest, and partnering with this unbelievable group will make the movie second to none.”

The group has secured the rights to Gayle Wald’s definitive biography “Shout, Sister, Shout!: The Untold Story of Rock-and-Roll Trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe,” and with the blessing of Tharpe’s property and entry to her total music catalog, the movie is positioned to be as sonically wealthy as it’s traditionally necessary.

A companion feature-length documentary can be in pre-production. It’ll delve deeper into Tharpe’s legacy by means of uncommon recordings, interviews with shut collaborators like gospel singer Marie Knight, and commentary from trendy artists and music students.

With Ellis-Taylor’s passionate pen, Jagger’s rock royalty, and an award-winning producing roster, the movie guarantees to lastly give Sister Rosetta Tharpe her rightful place on the heart of rock’s origin story.