According to published reports "Dreamgirl"  the semi-biopic tale of Diana Ross & The Supremes, earned a respectable $8.9 million on Day 1of its wide release.  And just like its Broadway counterpart which premiere over 2 decades ago the movie has become an instant hit with critics and audiences alike.  As the movie continues to rake in box office cash and stack up award nods there?s a sigh of relief and high fives between DreamWorks? studio executives.
 
The process of producing such films is not always a simple one, there's a plethora of issues to deal with including; lead role casting, securing the rights to the music, and the occasional squabble with heirs of the deceased musician.   But as long as actors continue to leap at the chance to portray a music legend and audiences support them there will be more sex, drugs and rock-n-roll on film to come.  Here?s a run down of my favorite biopic films. 

Sparkle (1976)
Music Icon: Loosely based on Diana Ross & the Supremes

Stars: Lonette McKee, Irene Cara, Phillip Michael Thomas, Dorian Harewood and Mary Alice.

The 411:  This film was written by Joel Schumacher and features the music of Curtis Mayfield, performed by Aretha Franklin, "Giving Him Something He Can Feel" and "Hooked On Your Love"  The story is a classic rags to riches melodrama about three sisters from Harlem on their quest to become superstars. And just as Big Sister (Lonette McKee) falls victim to life in the fast lane her younger sister (Irene Cara) becomes a star. Lonette McKee, Phillip Michael Thomas (MiamiVice) and Dorian Harewood all do good jobs here. Grade: (C+) 
          

What's Love Got To Do With It (1993)
Music Icon: Tina Turner

Stars: Angela Bassett, Lawrence Fishburne and Khandi Alexander

The 411:  NAACP Award winning actress Angela Bassett shows the stuff that she's made of with her performance as the legendary rocker Tina Turner. The film is based on "I, Tina" Ms. Turner's autobiography. The film, whose name is taken from, her classic chart topping ballad follows her from humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee to her career comeback in the 1980s. Lawrence Fishburne's portrayal as the mean spirited Ike Turner is also on point. Grade: (A) 
      

The Rose (1979)
Music Icon: Loosely based on Janis Joplin

Stars: Bette Midler

The 411: "The Rose" is the poster child film for Sex, Drugs,and Rock N' Roll. Bette Midler earned a Golden Globe Award for her electrified performance as Mary Rose, a dynamic female rocker. The Rose has many striking resemblances to Janis Joplin aka The Pearl. I cannot say that I was ever a Bette Midler fan before seeing this movie, but after seeing it I'm her fan for life. Grade: A-

Why Do Fools Fall In Love (1993)
Music Icon: Frankie Lymon 

Stars: Larenz Tate, Halle Berry, Vivica Fox and Lela Rochon

The 411:  "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" tells the story of Frankie Lymon who by all accounts led a tragic life shadowed by drugs and violence. The story is told from the perspective of three women (Halle Berry, Vivica Fox, Lela Rochon) each claims to be the widow of the 1950s teen-idol. The film has a few short comings but I'll admit that Larenz Tate can do no wrong, but in the end Tate shows that he can dance and act. Grade: C+

Walk The Line (2005)
Music Icon: Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash

Stars: Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix
 
The 411:  You do not have to be a country music fan to appreciate this movie but it's clear no biopic film tribute would be complete without considering James Mangold's "Walk The Line." The movie is based on the life of "the Godfather of Country music" Johnny Cash whom by all accounts gave his all on stage.  According to published reports Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon provided the vocals for country music's first couple.  Reese Witherspoon's portrayal of June Carter Cash is worth its weight in Oscar gold.  Grade: A

Ray (2004)
Music Icon: Ray Charles

Stars: Jamie Foxx
 
The 411:  When portraying a real person on screen actors walk the fine line between imitation and interpretation.  It's a no brainer to figure out which route actor Jaime Foxx took in "Ray," Foxx literally transformed into Ray Charles and earned an Academy Award in the process. The film is a no holds barred glimpse into the life of the music icon from his early beginnings, to his meteoric rise to stardom intertwined with adulterous relationships and illicit drug use.  Playing the multi-talented music innovator was the role of a lifetime for Foxx and easily put him on the map as a leading male
actor. Grade: (A+) 

Lady Sings The Blues (1972)
Music Icon: Billie Holliday

Stars: Diana Ross, Richard Pryor and Billie Dee Williams 

The 411:   Diana Ross rivals don't hate but appreciate her performance in this film. Ross does a phenomenal job as Billie Holliday, the legendary blues artist, who led a dark life and ultimately becomes a victim of her own success. Although "Lady Sings The Blues" follows the standard musical biography formula of star grows up poor, rises to fame, falls down, overcomes obstacles and finally tries to make a big come back, all in that order. This movie is well worth being
seen by all. Billy Dee Williams and Richard Pryor also star, yet it is easily Diana Ross that makes the
movie. Grade: (A+) 

La Bamba (1987)
Music Icon: Ritchie Valens

Stars: Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, with a cameo appearance by Los Lobos
 
The 411:  "La Bamba" is the kind of movie that you enjoy watching despite knowing how it ends. Lou Diamond Phillips delivers a credible performance as Ritchie Valens, the 1950s  Mexican-American
rocker whose life is cut short just as he's on the way to becoming a rock 'n roll star.  On Feb 3, 1959 Valens along with The Big Bopper and Buddy Holly died in a plane crash the day which forever would be "the day music died." Under the writing and direction of Luis Valdez "La Bamba" explores Valens' family relationships. Esai Morales (NYPD Blue) does a good job as Valens' step brother. Grade: (B+) 

Other Highly Recommended Musical Biography Films
St. Louis Blues (1958)
Music Icon: William Clarence "W.C."  Handy
The 411: "St. Louis Blues" chronicles the life of the musician who is often credited as "the Father of the Blues."  The cast of stars includes a who's who in African American music including; Eartha Kitt, Nat "King" Cole, Ruby Dee, Pearl Bailey, Mahalia Jackson, Cab Callaway and others. Grade: (A+) 

The Doors (1991)
Music Icon: Jim Morrison 
The 411: Filmmaker Oliver Stone attempts to tell the story about The Doors however it turns out to be the Jim Morrison Show starring Val Kilmer; it is still an exceptional film nonetheless. Grade: (A-) 

Selena (1997)
Music Icon: Selena Quintanilla Perez
The 411: Selena's father Abraham Quintanilla Jr. served as Executive Producer of the heartbreaking film about the Tejano singer superstar. It stars Jennifer Lopez and Edward James Olmos. Lopez's performance as the free spirited Latina sensation made her a household name.  Grade: (A)
 
Listen Up The Lives & Loves of Quincy Jones (1990)
Music Icon: Quincy Jones
The 411:  "Listen Up...Quincy Jones" is The Kennedy Center Honors meets  The Grammy Awards Lifetime Achievement Tribute meets an unauthorized, non sugar-coated biography. Several stars make cameo appearances to sing the praises about the music pioneer that friends simply call Q. It's entertaining, enlightening and a documentary worth having in your private collection.  Grade: (A+)