Born on this day in 1915: Renowned guitarist and gospel singer, Sister Rosetta Tharpe

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American singer-songwriter Sister Rosetta Tharpe arrives at London Airport, Nov. 20, 1957 to sing rock 'n roll hymns from London to Harrogate, Yorkshire. Miss Tharpe is the originator of the "holy rollers" - religious records that sell up to half a million discs. (AP Photo)
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Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the renowned guitarist and gospel singer, was born on March 20, 1915, in Arkansas. One of the few Black women guitarists of her era, Tharpe had a unique sound that played a pivotal role in popularizing gospel music. She is hailed as the godmother of modern rock ‘n’ roll.

In 1938, Tharpe relocated to New York City, where she recorded four gospel hits with Decca Records: “Rock Me,” “That’s All,” “The Man and I,” and “The Lonesome Road,” all of which became instant successes, firmly establishing her as one of the earliest commercially successful gospel artists.

In this Nov. 21, 1957, file photo, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, guitar-playing American gospel singer, gives an inpromptu performance in a lounge at London Airport, following her arrival from New York. Tharpe, who died in 1973, was inducted with the “Award for Early Influence” to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 14, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo, File)

Tharpe’s career spanned over three decades, during which she continued to captivate audiences with her live performances until her passing at the age of 58 in 1973.


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