Image

6:52 AM / Thursday February 13, 2025

10 Apr 2015

Bill Duke attached to direct Mahalia Jackson biopic

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
April 10, 2015 Category: Entertainment Posted by:

ABOVE PHOTO:  Mahalia Jackson

By Tambay A. Obenson

Shadow and Act

Director Bill Duke confirmed that he is attached to direct and executive produce a feature film on the life of Mahalia Jackson,  therefore will be based on Laurraine Goreau’s  biography “Just Mahalia, Baby,” which chronicles the life of the woman who rose from poverty and obscurity to become the world’s greatest gospel singer.

The project has been a “passion project” for Duke for years and will include many of Jackson’s original music, suggesting that the rights have been secured – something that’s often been a hurdle for films on the lives of musicians.

No word on how far into the production process Duke is maybe the same Mahalia Jackson project Shadow Act mentioned in 2013, which was being developed by screenwriter/director and college professor at Columbia College in Chicago, Vaun Monroe, and Chicago filmmaker Ruth L Ratny, for Joyful Noise, LLC.

Ratny is listed as writer of the film that Duke is now attached to direct.

At the time, the filmmakers, Ratny and Monroe, said that the film would be shot in Chicago and that they were hoping to eventually attract the $20 million in funding that would be necessary to make the kind of film that they believe Jackson deserves, and said that a small percentage of that figure had already been raised. 

The film had/has the support of the mayor, civic, business and church leaders.

Now is probably as good a time as any for biopics on the lives of Black public personalities, given Hollywood’s seeming enthusiasm for them in recent years on the big and small screens. That, and also what might be considered a surge in commitment to catering to the significant faith-based market.

A few years ago, Euzhan Palcy was all set to direct a Mahalia Jackson film, with Fantasia Barrino starring – a project that I’d say is likely dead, after Jackson’s family reportedly had second thoughts about Fantasia playing the part.

I should also add that Jackson was most recently featured in the documentary titled Rejoice And Shout, a film covered on Shadow And Act, which the filmmakers called the definitive history of Gospel music, directed by Don McGlynn.

The film traces the history of gospel music from its beginnings on Southern plantations and Baptist churches to national prominence. Featuring a wealth of archival footage of legendary gospel acts such as Mahalia Jackson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Staples Singers, and several others.

By the way, R&B recording artist, songwriter and actress Ledisi played Jackson in Ava DuVernay’s MLK drama Selma.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Leave a Comment

Recent News

Color Of Money

Pennsylvania governor seeks more money for schools and transit, but relies heavily on surplus cash

February 10, 2025

Share Tweet Email Governor Josh Shapiro presents his 2025-26 budget proposal to the Pa. General Assembly, as...

Seniors

How Type 2 inflammation contributes to asthma, COPD, and allergic conditions

February 3, 2025

Share Tweet Email BPT Do you live with persistent, moderate-to-severe asthma, COPD, allergies, eczema or hives? Inflammation...

SUNrise

cj speaks…Celebrating in forgiveness for Black History Month

February 10, 2025

Share Tweet Email By cj “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and...

Week In Review

Black History Month explained: Its origins, celebrations and myths

February 10, 2025

Share Tweet Email This undated photo provided by the Association for the Study of African American Life...

Commentary

Commentary: The Retirement Party

January 19, 2025

Share Tweet Email President Joe Biden speaks about student loan debt at Madison College, April 8, 2024,...

Health

What you need to know about glaucoma

February 10, 2025

Share Tweet Email FAMILY FEATURES More than 4.2 million Americans live with glaucoma, a leading cause of...

The Philadelphia Sunday Sun Staff