Interesting how the title of this and the source post both place Mary J. Blige‘s name before Nina Simone‘s, however, rumours are that Blige is set to play Simone in a movie about her relationship with her Manager.
According to Digital Spy it’s going to focus on this relationship and not her life, rise to fame and addiction. There’s also some surprising choice for the writer:
No director has been attached to the project so far, though it has been confirmed that Cynthia Mort (Will & Grace; Roseanne) will write the screenplay.
There are obvious parallels that make Blige such a good choice, not least her stunning voice (personally I think Blige is an amazing singer as well as gorgeous!). Has anyone seen her role in Prison Song?
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Mary is not a good choice. Why not choose an unknown for the part. Mary can sing, but she’s not the right choice at all.
Nina had such a range in her style and her delivery—-Mary’s is always the same; hip-hop soul.
Come on now, there are plent of talented actresses out there who could run circles around Mary and give Nina Simone the notoriety and fame she deserves.
NDT
I am a big fan of MJB and have been since her debut on the music scene, however, she is not a good actress. I think this role should be done by someone who can not only sing,but act as well. I love Mary, but let’s keep it real…
Mary J. Blige can do this, just like Madonna did Evita, she had a personally strong conviction to do the best job she could do. I believe in Mary’s conviction, and for those who do not, just wait. She as a vocalist can accompany anyone, on any level. Watch her duets to see her ability to change her own super-powerful voices, to a more subtle one to connect with Eric Clapton on guitar, Whitney Houston remaking an Aretha classic, Sting in a song written for Mary, Elton, altering his own melodies for his friend Mary. People love working with her because they know when she is around, her angelic voice will ALWAYS work. Mary is never, ever off, as she has a serious conviction and knows her talents are God given, but personally respobsible for that to blossom. She knows her talents, it is just taking some people a lot longer to see this.
Nina Simone, yes, a woman who we might wish to “never be replicated”. But, if we do pay homage to Nina, then Mary is doing a service to the world for having the talent, intelligence, beauty and integrity to honor Ms. Simone.
MJB, Mary, Mary J. or Mary J. Blige, whatever name you are comfortable with, just don’t forget, she can do it, and she has been for years.
Love Nina,
Love Mary,
Jack
It will be a learning experience for MJB to play such a powerful and respected person such as Nina Simone (as for our days MJB is our Nina Simone and it will give us a opportunity to lean about Nina)
Mary J playing Nina Simone is like Kermit the frog playing
Luther Vandross.