Jill Scott to Step Into the Role of Gospel Icon Mahalia Jackson

By N. Jamiyla Chisholm Aug 13, 2020

Called the Queen of Gospel, singer Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972) is set to get a film produced about her life called “Mahalia!” with three-time Grammy Award-winning singer Jill Scott in the role, Deadline reports.

“Mahalia!” will be executive produced by Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere and Holly Carter and based on the 1992 biography “Mahalia Jackson by Darlene Donloe

“I am beyond grateful to be able to partner with Latifah and Shakim again and equally excited that Jamie has joined the team,” Carter told Deadline. “Much like “The Clark Sisters,” “Mahalia!” is another epic story of faith that is driven by powerful and uplifting music. I believe Ms. Scott was a God-send and will be absolute perfection in the lead role.”

Jackson was a New Orleans-born vocal powerhouse and a huge star and civil rights activist. She performed at John F. Kennedy’s presidential inauguration and set the stage for Martin Luther King, Jr. when she sang “I Been ’Buked and I Been Scorned” before he gave the now-famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.  

Watch Jackson’s 1963 performance below, courtesy of KJ McRae: