Coffee Talk: Fantasia to Play Mahalia Jackson in Biopic

See why we’re dipping a biscotti in our morning brew today:

• Fantasia Barrino has been tapped to play Mahalia Jackson in an upcoming biopic. The film, based on the 1993 book “Got to Tell It: Mahalia Jackson Queen of Gospel,” will cover the gospel legend’s roots in New Orleans to her death in 1972. It’s even expected to cover her Civil Rights involvement. Tasia is by far the best possible match for this film — far more than Halle Berry for Aretha Franklin. [BV]

• Gospel and R&B great Marvin Sease has died at the age of 64. He reportedly passed away at his Vicksburg, Mississippi home from unknown causes. He was a member of “Sease” and fostered hits like “Ghetto Man” and “Candy Licker.” [BV]

• Michelle Obama is releasing some happy news about the President’s health. According to Gawker, Mrs. Obama claims that her husband hasn’t smoked a cigarette in “almost a year.” That’s fantastic news! [Gawker]

• Trey Songz is probably not too happy this morning. He’s on the receiving end of an $18-million dollar lawsuit. A Washington, D.C. production company claims they own the rights to Songz’s 2010 hit “Bottoms Up” and was not properly credited. [Vibe]

• News is circulating that Tracy Morgan is back at work on the set of “30 Rock” after undergoing a kidney transplant last December. His appearance on the show will be minimal and it will explain his absence. [Eurweb]

• Court documents from the Steve and Marjorie Harvey case against Mary Harvey have proven that Mary’s allegations are false. The court findings state that Mary Harvey “was not homeless or evicted from her home and was awarded three homes in the property settlement,” and more. It looks as if Mary tried to pull a publicity stunt, but for what reason? [CNN]

• Aretha Franklin says she feels “super, absolutely super and doing very, very well.” This comes as she’s scheduled to appear at Sunday’s Grammy awards. Five singers are said to be performing a tribute to the Queen of Soul; Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Yolanda Adams, Martina McBride and Florence Welch. [CNN]