From Prince to Marvin Gaye: Music Biopics We’re Still Waiting For

The success of “Bob Marley: One Love” and the anticipation for “Michael” has fans discussing some other big names they want to see music biopics of. Films about Tina Turner, Ray Charles and New Edition showed us that we never really know the whole story about our icons’ lives. To that end, these are the legends we’re still waiting to see music biopics of.

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The box office success of “Bob Marley: One Love” and the start of production on the upcoming film “Michael” has us thinking about other music biopics we’re still waiting to see.

Diana Ross

No one in music has lived a more intriguing life than “The Boss.” She needs to get the full big-screen-awards-contender treatment. The only question is: Who is boss enough to embody Diana Ross?

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah’s transition from rap pioneer to Oscar-nominated actress is fascinating, and we need a movie chronicling her early hip-hop journey ASAP.

Ella Fitzgerald

It’s actually kind of crazy that one of the greatest singers of all-time hasn’t had her life made into a movie yet. The stories of her time mingling with old Hollywood stars would be fascinating.

Prince

There’s so much mystique around Prince, we have no doubt a movie about his life and fascinating creative process would be must watch. Plus, the soundtrack would be the greatest in cinema history.

Motown

Yes, we’ve seen documentaries and thinly veiled fictional stories about Motown, but a full on no-holds-barred biopic of the legendary company and all the artists who became superstars is long overdue.

Marvin Gaye

Over the years, we’ve heard about several Marvin Gaye biopics with actors like Jesse L. Martin and Lenny Kravitz attached. However, we’re still waiting for a story about the artist whose music crossed generations and delivered powerful messages.

Donna Summer

The success of the documentary, “Love To Love You” — currently available on Max — has fans clamoring for a full-fledged biopic of the dance music star. Kelly Rowland has been rumored to be a frontrunner for the role, but an actress who can sing along to Summer’s voice would be a better choice than a singer who acts.

The Isley Brothers

Family businesses always lead to interesting stories. Add in some of the most well-known songs in the history of R&B and funk and you’ve got a movie everyone will turn out for.

Janet Jackson

Like the rest of her family, Jackson has always been very private. However, she’s such an icon and her music is so timeless, it feels like we’re overdue for her story of success away from the Jacksons.

Aaliyah

Losing Aaliyah just as her career was crossing over into mainstream success is still heartbreaking. What better way to celebrate her meteroric rise and continued influence than with a beautiful tribute.

Little Richard

Little Richard was a trailblazer as both a musician and a showman. Examining his impact on rock and roll, as well as his own personal struggles, is a ready-made film.

Jay-Z

Hollywood loves a good rags to riches story. Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter’s rise from the projects to become one of the greatest rappers of all time and a billionaire businessman is the stuff movies are made of.

Luther Vandross

Luther Vandross was an exceptionally talented singer, songwriter and producer. He portrayed the complicated emotions of his life in his love songs, but we need to know the real story of the man behind the music.

Stevie Wonder

A musical genius whose music has been the soundtrack of our lives since he was a child, it’s past time to give Wonder the blockbuster movie treatment.

Sammy Davis Jr.

Sammy Davis Jr. is the greatest entertainer of all time. No one commanded a stage like him. There’s been a biopic in development for decades, but somehow we still haven’t gotten a project. What’s the hold up on giving us the biopic we deserve?

Jimi Hendrix

Honestly, it’s kind of wild we haven’t gotten a comprehensive biopic of the rock legend by now. Andre 3000 is currently in production on a film where he plays a younger version of the musician, but the Hendrix estate will not allow his music to be used in the movie.

Mariah Carey

When you have a once in a generation voice like Mariah Carey, the world needs to know how she became the megastar she is now. Think of how amazing her story would be against the background of all her unforgettable hits. Bonus points if it’s released at Christmas.

Big Mama Thornton

Big Mama Thornton was one of the many Black artists in the ‘50s who never received their due because their music was re-released by white artists, while the original musicians never getting properly credited or compensated. With her biggest hit “Hound Dog” becoming a signature hit for Elvis Presley, it’s vital that Mama Thornton and other artists like her have their stories told.