BET’s upcoming drama series American Soul will be based on the life and career of Soul Train creator Don Cornelius and Deadline reports that Michelle Williams, Bobby Brown, McKinley Freeman, Gabrielle Dennis and K. Michelle have been tapped to star in the project.
Michelle is set to star as iconic Diana Ross, who grabs the attention of Don Cornelius (played by Sinqua Walls) who wants her appear on his new television show. Bobby will play singer Rufus Thomas, whose claim to fame is the soul song “Do the Funky Chicken.”
Tina Turner will be portrayed by Gabrielle Dennis and the series will show some of the hardships she suffered at the hands of her husband, Ike who will be portrayed by McKinley Freeman. Don and Ike got closer as time went on since Ike wanted to help don turn Soul Train into a club and franchise, and didn't bother to hide his turbulent relationship with his wife.
K. Michelle will portray Martha Reeves, a pop singer who at the time led the band Martha and The Vandellas.
The series is set to premiere on February 5 at 9 PM ET/PT with back-to-back episodes.
Speaking of Michelle Williams, at the top of the month she announced her split with fiance Chad Johnson after they finished their press run for their series Chad Loves Michelle.