Mahalia (2021)

Biography, Drama, Made for TV, Music

Director: Kenny Leon

Writer(s): Bettina Gilois, Todd Kreidler

Starring: Amira Anderson, Max Boateng, Cassandra Bolinski, Danielle Brooks, Wolsey Brooks, Jason Burkart, Ivy Charles, Neil Charlesworth, Tom Cryan, Rob Demery, Jason Dirden, Taylor Edwardson, Emma Flemington, Marc Gaudet, Jay Hindle, Marci T. House, Spencer Irwin, Patrice Jefferson, Jamall Johnson, Joaquina Kalukango, Kenny Leon, Shanice Mathurine, Kris McRonney, Keenan Mentzos, Dean Redman, Kerry Sandomirsky, Anthony Santiago, Andre Scott, Ari Solomon, Nakai Takawira, Jim Thorburn, Olivia Washington, Benjamin Charles Watson, Robel Zere

Synopsis: Born in New Orleans, Mahalia began singing at an early age and went on to become one of the most revered gospel figures in U.S. history, melding her music with the civil rights movement. Her recording of the song “Move on Up a Little Higher” sold millions of copies, skyrocketing her to international fame and gave her the opportunity to perform in front of a racially integrated audience at the prestigious Carnegie Hall and at John F. Kennedy’s inaugural ball. An active supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, Jackson sang at numerous rallies, including the March on Washington in 1963 alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in hopes that her music would encourage and inspire racial equality. Jackson’s story will continue to strengthen the need for more stories about Black legends that are often overlooked.

Release Date: April 3, 2021 (USA) | Length: Unknown | Genre: Biography, Drama, Music | Certificate: TV-PG

Note: Original announcement. Robin Roberts is a producer on this project. Original title “Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia”. Also known as “The Mahalia Jackson Story”. I wasn’t able to identify Shanice Mathurine.