(From left to right: Beyonce as Etta James, Angela Bassett as Tina Turner, Jennifer Lopez as Selena)
Usher, Justin Timberlake, Nina Simone, and Marvin Gaye are just some of the many known names in music who will see themselves involved to some capacity in a biopic this year.
Indeed, the coveted biopic role has launched many-an-act to stardom in its tenure by bringing to light the real personal lives of celebrated public figures.
Most recently, VH1 has taken the reins in preparation of a TLC biopic and continues to tease fans with snaps from the set of the highly anticipated film (like the one seen here). With many great biopics of yesteryear to live up to, our excitement for the venture leads us to ask you – That Grape Juice faithful:
Whose biopic has been the best so far?
Just ask actors Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Lopez and Angela Bassett and they will attest to the power of the music biopic as it has arguably lent their most memorable performances yet (portraying Ray Charles, Selena and Tina Turner respectively).
Singers, on the other hand, have found the mighty musical memoir to be just as valuable as it has afforded them the platform to demonstrate their acting chops. One needn’t look any further than Diana Ross’s legendary depiction of ‘Lady Day’ – iconic jazz singer Billie Holliday – in the Academy Award nominated ‘Lady Sings the Blues’.
But, while some have earned critical and commercial acclaim for bringing to life the tales of other figures affront movie screens, talents like Prince, Fantasia, and 50 Cent prove that sometimes the best person to tell the tale is the one who lived it.
Whatever the presentation format, history has imparted movie lovers its fair share of new views on some of their favorite music acts via the biopic.
We have our favorites, but now you tell us: