Today marks the first day of spring despite yesterday's remnants of snow still visible outside, and it also marks the Born Day of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Billed as "The Godmother of Rock & Roll, Tharpe is credited with influencing the likes of Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash. And how couldn't they be deeply incited to chorus? I'd be remiss if I didn't point out how kick ass it is to see a black woman, ahead of her time, brandishing an electric guitar and leaving such an indelible mark on the music scene in such a profound way. Rosetta Tharp was able to successfully straddle the line between secular and gospel music.
Peep brainpickings.org's Born Day tribute to Ms. Tharpe ...
Sister Rosetta Tharpe — reconstructionist, gospel music’s first superstar, the godmother of rock and roll, “the original soul sister,” Literary Jukebox hero — was born on this day in 1915. No better way to celebrate her spirit and legacy than with her legendary, electrifying 1964 live performance of “Didn’t It Rain” at the Manchester train station, complete with her iconic white coat and electric guitar. Continue Reading ...
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