Danielle Brooks to play gospel legend Mahalia Jackson in biopic

Orange Is New Black alum Danielle Brooks has signed on to play gospel music icon and civil rights activist Mahalia Jackson in an upcoming biopic in works at Lifetime.

movie, titled Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia Jackson Story, is first in a four-film deal with Good Morning America anchor.

According to Deline, Kenny Leon is on board as director.

biopic will trace Jackson's life and career as she rose to become best kwn gospel singer in mid-20th century and a civil rights activist who sang at 1963 March on Washington alongside Martin Lur King, Jr. She also sang at John F. Kennedy's inaugural ball in 1961.

project is produced by Rock'n Robin Productions and Lincoln Square Productions. Roberts and Linda Berman serve as executive producers.

"Having h privilege of working with Kenny on Steel Maglias' and Robin Roberts on Stolen by my Mor', I am ecstatic to have m join forces to work toger on this special project," said Tanya Lopez, EVP of Movies, Limited Series & Original Movie Acquisitions, Lifetime and LMN.

"ding Danielle Brooks as Mahalia is icing on cake. This team is committed in celebrating legacy of Mahalia and reintroducing her to a world that needs her spirit more than ever, she ded.

Leon and Brooks previously worked toger on st production of William Shakespeare's Much o About thing.

Im credit: AP