Director Bill Duke Will Be Directing The Mahalia Jackson Story

Director Bill Duke Will Be Directing The Mahalia Jackson Story

BHR Hollywood Reports........A new biopic centered on the life and career of Mahalia Jackson is headed to the big screen with the help of actor/director Bill Duke

The Mahalia Jackson Story will chronicle the the legendary singer's rise to fame as one of the most iconic figures in the world of gospel.

Duke calls the feature film a "passion project," as he's wanted to get it into production for quite
some time.

 Mahalia Jackson

The film will be based on Jackson's seminal biography "Just Mahalia Baby," which included personal stories from the singer's former accompanists, friends, relatives and pastors.

 Production is set to take place in Chicago and the film will feature several of Jackson's classic songs such as "Moving Up A Little Higher" and "Take My Hand, Precious Lord."

The film is being endorsed by Chicago's civic and religious community, with mayor Rahm Emanuel putting his stamp on the project.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel

"Mahalia Jackson was a very active citizen of Chicago who along with Dr. Thomas Dorsey, Roberta Martin and Sallie Martin helped make the city the Gospel Music Capital of the World," Emanuel said in a statement.

The Mahalia Jackson Story is not to be confused with the long-gestating project from director Euzhan Palcy that was rumored to star Fantasia Barrino.

That film is thought to be dead, as Jackson's family had second thoughts on Barrino playing the part.

There is no word on a release date for Duke's film.