Singer Ledisi To Play Gospel Music Icon Mahalia Jackson In ‘Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story’

The same singer that portrayed Mahalia Jackson in Ava DuVernay’s “Selma” in 2014 will reprise her role as the legendary gospel singer in the upcoming biopic. 

Deadline announced this week that R&B recording artist Ledisi is set to play legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in the biopic, “Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story.” Columbus Short (ABC’s Scandal, Stomp the Yard) will take on the role of Martin Luther King Jr., a close friend of Jackson’s. Janet Hubert (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) will make one of her biggest returns to the acting limelight in this film as well as being cast along with Wendy Raquel Robinson (The Walking Dead, The Steve Harvey Show).

Named after one of Jackson’s signature songs, Remember Me, the film, set during the tumultuous period between 1956 and 1963, will chronicle the successful career of Jackson as well as her unique friendship and devotion to Martin Luther King Jr. and her unsung contribution to the Civil Rights Movement. Also referred to as the Queen of Gospel, Jackson was pivotal in the encouragement and inspiration of MLK’s famous I Have A Dream speech. She often accompanied King to perform at rallies and events and became the silent voice behind the great activist and civic leader. Ledisi is also expected to sing in the film, just as she did in “Selma”, bringing Jackson’s voice back to life.

“I am honored to be given a chance to paint the world through Mahalia’s eyes and sing her songs,” said Ledisi. “Watching Columbus Short transform into Dr. Martin Luther King has been inspiring. I am sharing space with so many amazing actors and with Ericka Nicole Malone’s words and being under the direction of the Great Denise Dowse’s I am thrilled to be telling the story of New Orleans Gospel Legend Mahalia Jackson.”

Short released a statement about playing King, saying, “I have dreamed of playing this role for so many years. It’s truly a great honor to portray a man that has made such an indelible impact on society and on all of our lives. I am thankful to Ericka for the opportunity and proud to play alongside a wonderful cast.”

Ericka Nicole Malone penned the script and also serves as an executive producer with Phillip Robinson. Denise Dowse is directing the pic and Vince Allen is producing.

Nicole Malone called the film “my personal thank you letter to the Queen of Gospel Mahalia Jackson, honoring her for her amazing legacy in Gospel Music, Civil Rights and her shining example of an extraordinarily, powerful Black woman.”