In February 2025, Lifetime Network will highlight two female artists from different eras of music. Ladies and gentlemen, they are Lisa Lisa of Cult-Jam and Gloria Gaynor! 1970s Disco and 1980s Latin & Freestyle will take center stage.
Lifetime Network has a history of producing mostly female musician biopics, including Michel’le’s ‘Surviving Compton,’ a follow-up to the award-winning ‘Straight Out of Compton’ about rap group NWA. 90s female group TLC, Gospel giant’s The Clark Sisters, America Idol winner Fantasia, and late singers Aaliyah and Whitney Houston.
On Saturday, February 1st, Lisa Velez, known as Lisa Lisa of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, kicks off Lifetime’s “Voice of a Lifetime” event with “Can You Feel The Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story.”
Lisa Lisa, from New York City, along with Cult Jam, became stars in the 1980s with hits like All Cried
Out, Head To Toe, and Lost In Emotion. The film follows a young Lisa Lisa as she navigates her way through the music industry. The biopic stars Jearnest Corchado as Lisa Lisa. Lisa Valez, the executive producer of the film will also play Lisa Lisa’s mother. New York City radio personalities Angie Martinez and Bre-Z also appear as characters Nurse Rodriguez and Toni Menage. The movie is produced by Swirl Films, directed by Tailiah Breon, and written by Rebecca Murga.
The following Saturday, February 8th, Robin Roberts presents, ‘I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor
Story’ will air. This is Robin’s second installment of her series. The first was ‘Robin Roberts Presents Mahalia.’
I Will Survive is the story of two-time Grammy winner Gloria Gaynor. It gives an in-depth look into the ups and downs she experienced in the ever-changing music business. It also details her relationship with her husband and manager, Linwood Simon, played by Lance Gross. Gaynor is played by Tony Award-winning actress Joaquina Kalukango, who also doubles as executive producer with Gaynor. Alicia K Harris directed the film and it was scripted by Njeri Brown and Jane Espenson. Gaynor also wrote a new song that will premiere alongside the film.
After the film wraps up, a documentary titled Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive will follow. The documentary premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. It was produced by Storyville Entertainment, Sing Me Back Home Productions, and Tora 9. Betsy Schechter directed and Gaynor once again executive produced.
2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mary J Blige kicks off the festivities. Although not a biopic like
the others, she is on part three of her installment of films. ‘Family Affair’ premiered on January 25.
Lifetime Network is starting 2025 with some heat. What other female musical artist would you
like to see featured on Lifetime?
