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May 25, 2016 By Christopher Roberts Photography by Jacob Blickenstaff Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings

Miss Sharon Jones! is documentary about Sharon Jones (of Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings), her battle with cancer, and her triumphant return to stage. It’s been announced that Starz Digital has picked up the North American distribution rights to the film and it will get a theatrical release on July 29, followed by a digital, on-demand, and home video release this fall. Two-time Academy Award-winner Barbara Kopple (Harlan County U.S.A., Shut Up & Sing) directed Miss Sharon Jones!, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last fall and also played at SXSW.

Back in 2013 Jones was diagnosed with stage one bile duct cancer, which was later re-diagnosed as stage two pancreatic cancer. It led to the postponement of the band’s fifth album, Give the People What They Want, which then came out the following year. Jones fought the cancer hard and following surgery and treatment was well enough to get back on the road. But last year her cancer returned.

A press release describes the film’s synopsis: “Just as her career is hitting its stride, iconic soul diva Sharon Jones faces her greatest challenge yet. This triumphant, music-fueled crowd-pleaser captures Sharon Jones during the most intense and courageous year of her life, as she battles back from a life-threatening illness to get back to where she belongs - center stage.”

Below is the video for Give the People What They Want single “Stranger to My Happiness.” Also read our 2014 print article on Jones and her original cancer fight, as well as our longer 2014 Q&A interview with her.