R&B songstress Fantasia Barrino has officially landed her first feature film role. The American Idol alum and VH1 reality show star has been cast to star in the film adaptation of the 1993 book Got to Tell It: Mahalia Jackson, Queen of Gospel, which recounts the life of the late American gospel singer, a civil rights activist who was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Coming from a trouble background herself, Fantasia will portray Jackson on her journey from abject poverty in New Orleans to her rise as a global figure in gospel and early supporter of Martin Luther King, Jr. The singer died in 1972 at the age of 60.
Jackson grew up in the Black Pearl section of Uptown’s Carrollton neighborhood, and one of New Orleans’ premier performance spaces still bears her name. She moved to Chicago at age 16, where her membership in a church choir vaulted her to eventual stardom.
The film will go into production in April 2011 in Pittsburgh and Chicago.
Euzhan Palcy (a producer on Will Smith’s nascent Hurricane Katrina film, “The American Can”) will direct, working from a script by Jim Evering.
Fantasiaâs biggest past roles to date are Celie in the Broadway version of The Color Purple and herself in the 2006 Lifetime biopic âLife Is Not a Fairy Tale: The Fantasia Barrino Story.â
The world of music is about to be graced with the presence of a new star. Fantasia Barrino, Grammy Award-winning singer and American Idol champion, is set to take on her first major film role as gospel legend Mahalia Jackson in an upcoming biopic. This exciting news has fans buzzing with anticipation at what’s sure to be an incredible performance from this talented artist.
Fantasia has inspired many throughout her career and now she will have the opportunity to bring another inspirational figure to life on the big screen. Mahalia Jackson was one of the most influential figures in gospel music during her lifetime and was known for her powerful voice that could reach into your soul. To play such an iconic woman requires a special talent, and it seems Fantasia may just fit the bill!
This highly anticipated movie promises to bring together two amazing women of song: past and present, originality and innovation, all rolled up into one unforgettable experience. With Fantasia’s undeniable vocal prowess combined with Mahalia’s timeless musical legacy, we can expect nothing less than cinematic gold when this project comes out!
Biography Of Mahalia Jackson
Mahalia Jackson was a legendary gospel singer who shaped the course of American music. She is best known for her powerful and passionate performances, which helped popularize gospel music across the world. Born in New Orleans in 1911, she grew up singing in church choirs and around her home. From an early age, Mahalia had a love for spirituals and blues music that laid the foundation for her incredible career.
At just 10 years old, she began performing on street corners to earn money for her family during the Great Depression. By age 16, she’d gained enough recognition to tour with famous blues singers like Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey. This experience only furthered her rise as one of the most talented vocalists of all time. As she continued to perform throughout the country, audiences fell in love with her rich voice and soulful interpretations of gospel songs.
This admiration eventually led to successful recording contracts with Columbia Records and later Decca Records—marking some of the biggest milestones in Mahalia’s career. Her unique sound has since inspired countless other artists, including Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, James Brown, and many more! Even today, people still enjoy listening to Mahalia’s timeless recordings that bring joy through each note sung.
Overview Of Fantasia’s Upcoming Role
Now, a new generation of music lovers will get to experience the iconic sound of Mahalia Jackson. Singer and actress Fantasia Barrino-Taylor is set to star as the late gospel singer in an upcoming biopic about her life. This marks Fantasia’s first film role and gives her an opportunity to honor Mahalia’s legacy through song.
The movie follows Mahalia’s journey from singing on street corners in New Orleans to becoming one of America’s most beloved vocalists. It also highlights some of her triumphant performances, including at President Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961. As she retells this incredible story, fans can expect to hear many of Mahalia’s classic songs interwoven throughout the script, bringing authenticity and heart to every scene.
Fantasia has already started preparing for this major milestone by learning dozens of Mahalia’s hits—from “Go Tell it On the Mountain” to “Precious Lord.” She is deeply inspired by Mahalia’s spirit and eager to share her passion with audiences around the world when this long-awaited project finally premieres!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fantasia’s upcoming role as Mahalia Jackson is an exciting new venture for the artist. She has a great opportunity to portray one of the most influential gospel singers in history and bring her story to life on the big screen. This film will be a chance for audiences around the world to gain an understanding of Jackson’s impact on music and culture.
Fantasia brings with her years of experience as both a musician and performer that she can draw upon when taking on this role. Her passion for storytelling will help make this movie come alive with emotion and vivid detail. We are excited to see what she does with such an iconic character!
It is clear that playing Mahalia Jackson in this biopic could be a defining moment in Fantasia’s career. It is sure to be one of many milestones throughout her lifetime as an entertainer. We look forward to seeing how Fantasia honors the legacy of Mahalia Jackson through her portrayal in this feature film!
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