Heard of Sister Rosetta Tharpe? Well, this African-American gospel singer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee was one of the early pioneers of the genre. Nicknamed “the original soul sister” and “the godmother of rock and roll”, Tharpe is fondly remembered for her unique voice and incredible dexterity on the electric guitar.
She highly influenced other Rock and Roll artists including Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. Her hit single, “Rock Me”, was released 1938, three years, yes three years after the “king of rock and roll” Elvis Presley was born.
Sister Rosetta was so popular and sought after. Her third wedding was held at the Griffith Stadium in Washington D.C. in front of over 20,000 paying fans.
A trailblazer in many ways, Sister Rosetta’s third wedding at Griffith Stadium was an event not to miss. Advance admission ranged from $0.90 in the nosebleed section to $2.50 for seats in the first-base dugout. #CPHMandR #SisterRosettaTharpe pic.twitter.com/o6IHO7a2SC
— Cleveland Play House (@ClevePlayHouse) February 5, 2018
Check out videos of this legendary icon and pacesetter.
Watch: The Godmother of Rock ‘n Roll Sister Rosetta Tharpe, was recently inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. While historically overlooked, she was undoubtedly a Rock ‘n Roll pioneer as she recorded hits like “Rock Me” in 1938, when Elvis Presley was still a toddler. pic.twitter.com/DrUJTnh0tV
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) February 5, 2018
