Lizzo to Star as the Godmother of Rock and Roll
Music superstar Lizzo is preparing for her first major movie role. She will play Sister Rosetta Tharpe in a new Amazon MGM Studios biopic called Rosetta. The film tells the powerful story of the Black woman many call the true inventor of rock and roll.
In addition to starring in the movie, Lizzo will also serve as a producer. She hopes the project brings Sister Rosetta Tharpe the recognition she deserves. “I want to make her a household name as big as Elvis,” Lizzo told Paper magazine.
Learning Guitar for the Role of a Legend
Although Lizzo is already a trained flutist and Grammy-winning artist, she is taking on new challenges for this role. She is currently learning to play the guitar to honor Tharpe’s musical legacy.
“She was the greatest guitar player of all time,” Lizzo said. “She literally invented the electric guitar.” Lizzo wants her performance to be more than just entertainment. She hopes to educate people about Tharpe’s impact and legacy.
A Biopic That Aims to Uplift Black Women in Music
Sister Rosetta Tharpe paved the way for countless artists, but her name is often forgotten in music history. Known for blending gospel with rhythm and blues, she created a sound that inspired Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and more.
Lizzo believes this film is a chance to rewrite that story. “I’m not doing it for awards,” she said. “I want people to know that when you talk about rock ‘n’ roll, it begins with her.”
A First Major Film Role With Deep Purpose
For Lizzo, Rosetta is more than a career move. It’s a mission. She’s stepping into a powerful story of Black women’s creativity, strength, and innovation.
“This is my first major film role,” she said. “It’s early days, but I’m learning. I want to make this count.” By sharing Tharpe’s journey with the world, Lizzo hopes to inspire a new generation of women to own their voices and their power.
