EXCLUSIVE: Grammy-winning singer and Black lightning en Why am I married? actor Jill Scott will introduce the Queen of the Gospel, Mahalia Jackson Mahalia!, a new take on big screen executive production produced by Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah and her partner Shakim Compere and Clark Sisters EP Holly Carter.
Written by Richard Hocutt, Mark Gould and Tricia Woodgett, Mahalia! is based on the novel Mahalia Jackson by Darlene Donloe.
At a time when gospel music was not as mainstream as it is today, Jackson became one of the richest and most powerful entertainers in the world. Known as the mentor and inspiration behind Aretha Franklin, Jackson emerged from brutal poverty in New Orleans to become a platinum-selling artist. She was the first gospel singer to perform at Carnegie Hall and would continue to capture audiences around the world, including presidents, kings and queens, until her death in 1972.
Similar story
Lifetime And Robin Roberts Cast ‘The Mahalia Jackson Story’ Starring Danielle Brooks Starring Kenny Leon Directed
Known as the inspiration behind the “I Have a Dream” speech, she was one of the most instrumental voices and feared supporters of Martin Luther King Jr., the father of the American Civil Rights Movement, and a driving force behind the presidency of John F Kennedy campaign. Harry Belafonte once described Jackson as “the only most powerful Black woman in the United States” and, unknown to many, she was a formidable activist behind the scenes of some of America’s most influential politicians in one of the most tumultuous periods in the history of our nation, reflect the current political and social climate.
There’s another Mahalia Jackson project in the works on Lifetime, but Mahalia! has secured the rights to Jackson’s entire musical catalog, including “How I Got Over,” “His Eyes Are on the Sparrow,” “Move Up Up a Little Higher,” “Amazing Grace” and “Go Tell It On the Mountain. ”
Woodgett and Hocutt, who also produce, brought the project to Carter.
‘I’m grateful to be able to work with Latifah and Shakim again and just as enthusiastic that Jamie has joined the team. Much like The Clark Sisters, Mahalia! is another epic story of faith that is driven by powerful and uplifting music. “I believe Mrs. Scott was a devotee and absolute perfection will be paramount,” Carter said.
“This is such an incredibly important story to tell and we are excited to work with Jamie on the project. Shakim and I are also looking forward to reconnecting with us Clark Sisters producing partner, Holly Carter, to share Mahalia’s inspiring journey to become the queen of gospel music, ”says Latifah.
Oscar and Grammy winner Foxx following stars in Netflix’s Project power on August 14 and at Disney / Pixar’s Soul which opens Nov. 20. Scott’s credits also include Tate Taylor’s Come on, BET’s The First Wives Club and HBOs It no. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.
Latifah is reputed by UTA and Compere. Foxx is owned by CAA, LBI Entertainment and Ziffren Brittenham. Carter is reprimanded by CAA and Darrell Miller at Fox Rothschild. Scott is rapped by ICM Partners, Shawn Gee and Stephen Barnes.
