Eva Cassidy Getting Biopic Treatment
Filed under: Drama, Music & Musicals, Deals
There are always stories about the struggling artists whose paintings turn them into mega-stars after their death. It doesn't usually happen that way with musicians, but Eva Cassidy was an unfortunate exception. The DC native worked through the '80s with little-known bands, and in the '90s, she started to get a little recognition for herself, recording classic covers of songs like The Other Side and Over the Rainbow. But just when things were looking up, Cassidy felt discomfort in her hips, and a few weeks later she was diagnosed with melanoma. The cancer had spread through her body, and only 4 months after discovering her ailment, she died on November 2, 1996.After her death, her success skyrocketed with posthumous releases, praise from stars like Sting, ice skaters who skated to her music, appearances on film soundtracks, and a cover by Katharine McPhee during American Idol that made Randy, Paul, and Simon wow. Topping off this fame, Variety reports that her life is going to be turned into a biopic by AIR Productions -- headed by Amy Redford, Irwin Shapiro, and Rick Singer. As Robert's progeny describes it: "We see this film as an uplifting story of indomitable human spirit and an insightful look into the life and personality of an amazing talent." This project seems to be in the embryo stage -- there's no word of a script, director, or specific focus.
If you happened to have missed an introduction to Cassidy's music, you can check out a live rendition of Over the Rainbow below.
Peter Jackson Says Spielberg's 'Tintin' is Done Filming, but...
Interracial Harmony: 'Ninja Assassin' vs. 'Blind Side'
Spin-ematical: New on DVD for 11/24_thumbnail.jpg)
Exclusive 'Nine' Poster Premiere!
Exclusive: Title Track for 'The Road' Soundtrack
_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-13-2007 @ 6:56PM
Scott P said...
Your words, an "unfortunate exception" ring true for Eva who's career is once again predicted to experience a no#1 single due to the release this week of a duet released by Katie Melua (largest selling British female vocalist) using a video of Eva singing "What A Wonderful World". With over 1000 videos on YouTube which mention Eva's name she is a true role model for youth who aspire to musical careers. Your readers may be interested in this montage set to Eva's OTR. The photos are from Big Sur Nat'l Pk in California and are a near perfect complement to the singing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccCnL8hArW8
Reply
12-13-2007 @ 8:49PM
carole Raphaelle Davis said...
Eva Cassidy is one of the most sincerely affecting singers in pop history. The fact that record companies were aware of her and did nothing to propell her career is shameful. I'd like to know the names of the idiot A & R guys who turned her down. They were many.
She was turned down because she didn't fit into a neat little pop or R&B category. They didn't even think she was worthy of an adult contemporary album on a major label. She didn't look like a Spice girl. Instead of years of great recordings by this gorgeous voice, we got packaged junk. The musical equivalent of Twinkies.
While Eva sang her heart out in small nightcubs.
No one has now or ever had a more beautiful voice. If only she were alive today there would actually be a CD I want to buy.
Carole Raphaelle Davis
Reply