Hollywood Celebrates Sister Rosetta Tharpe with Upcoming Feature Film
A new feature film dedicated to Cotton Plant native Sister Rosetta Tharpe is in development, promising to bring her legacy to the forefront of music history. Directed by Oscar-nominated Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and produced by rock legend Mick Jagger, the project has secured permission from Tharpe’s estate to utilize her groundbreaking music catalog. This follows an earlier announcement where Lizzo is set to star and co-produce another film, “Rosetta,” for Amazon MGM Studios.
Tharpe, often hailed as the "godmother of rock ‘n’ roll," was a pioneering figure who blended gospel with rock music. Despite passing away in 1973 with little recognition, her influence on icons like Elvis Presley, Tina Turner, and Johnny Cash cannot be overstated. Raised in a Black Pentecostal church, Tharpe’s innovative guitar work on the Gibson Les Paul showcased techniques that would later become staples in rock music, inspiring future guitarists such as Chuck Berry and Eric Clapton.
In addition to the feature film, a companion documentary is also in production, intended to delve deeper into Tharpe’s extraordinary legacy. This documentary will feature interviews with friends, collaborators, and music scholars, providing unique insights into her life and work.
“Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor expressed her enthusiasm about partnering with Tribeca, Jagged Films, and Inaudible Films to bring Sister Rosetta’s story to life. She noted, “With six guitar strings and an amplifier as a battering ram, Sister Rosetta Tharpe knocked down the Jericho walls of convention and respectability,” reflecting on Tharpe’s impact on music and culture.
A mural honoring Tharpe was unveiled in downtown Little Rock in 2022, symbolizing the growing recognition of her contributions to the music world and beyond.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
