Posted by | Ray Cornelius
Motown legend Stevie Wonder is currently in talks with NBC to executive produce a new mini-series based on the Betty DeRamus book, “Forbidden Fruit: Love Stories from the Underground Railroad.” The 8-hour program is titled, “Freedom Run,” and will focus on real stories from three different relationships.
Indie Wire reports that “Forbidden Fruit: Love Stories From the Underground Railroad” depicts one of the greatest mass escapes in recorded history through a collection of gritty, largely untold true love stories about ordinary men and women, slave and free, black and white, who risked everything to be together, fighting for love in a time of hate. Their astounding escapes simultaneously contributed to, characterized and helped create what would come to be known as the Underground Railroad, a heroic rebellion of epic proportions.”
“Motown: The Musical” writer, Charles Randolph-Wright along with B. Swibel and Adam Westbrook will serve as writers while Tara Smith and Brian LaRoda will executive produce. There is also talk of turning the stories from the book into a Broadway show as well with Wonder possibly scoring the music.
In other related Stevie Wonder news, the 25-time Grammy winner will receive an all-star tribute at this year’s award show on February 8. The Huffington Post reports that Usher, Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Willie Nelson have been tapped to perform. Singing siren, Janelle Monae and Ed Sheeran will also honor Wonder at the “Songs in the Key of Life – Grammy Salute” on Feb. 10. This concert will be recorded and aired as a separate television special on Feb. 16.
Stay tuned…
Photo Credit: Moses Robinson/Linx Images
