Sister Rosetta Tharpe (born Rosetta Nubin on March 20, 1915, in Cotton Plant, Arkansas) was a pioneering American singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose innovative fusion of gospel, blues, jazz, and early rock laid the groundwork for the evolution of modern popular music. Her electrifying guitar solos, soulful vocals, and bold stage presence earned her the title “Godmother of Rock & Roll,” a testament to her profound influence on artists such as Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and Tina Turner.
Early Life and Musical Genesis
Rosetta Nubin was born to Willis Atkins, a farm laborer, and Katie Harper Atkins, a singer, mandolin player, and evangelist. Her mother, known as “Mother Bell,” played a significant role in Rosetta’s early exposure to music and religious performances.
At the age of six, Rosetta began performing with her mother, singing gospel songs in churches and at religious gatherings throughout the South. The duo eventually settled in Chicago, where Rosetta’s musical talents flourished.
By the time she was four, Rosetta had begun playing the guitar, and by her teenage years, she was already performing in churches and religious events. Her early exposure to jazz and blues in Chicago further shaped her unique musical style, blending traditional gospel with contemporary rhythms and instrumentation.
Career Breakthrough and Musical Innovation
In 1938, Tharpe signed a recording contract with Decca Records, marking the beginning of her professional music career. Her first single for Decca, “Rock Me,” a rendition of the gospel song “Hide Me in Thy Bosom” by Thomas Andrew Dorsey, was a commercial success and showcased her distinctive blend of gospel lyrics with blues and jazz influences. Following this success, she recorded several other hits, including “This Train” and “That’s All,” solidifying her position as a leading figure in gospel music.
Tharpe’s performances were groundbreaking, as she introduced gospel music to secular venues such as nightclubs and concert halls. Her energetic stage presence and virtuosic guitar playing captivated audiences, transcending traditional boundaries between sacred and secular music.
Collaborations and Musical Evolution
Throughout the 1940s, Tharpe collaborated with various artists and bands, further expanding her musical repertoire. In 1941, she joined Lucky Millinder’s swing band, touring extensively and performing in diverse musical settings. Her collaboration with jazz and boogie-woogie pianist Sammy Price resulted in the 1944 recording of “Strange Things Happening Every Day,” which some music scholars consider one of the first rock-and-roll songs. The track’s fusion of gospel vocals with rhythmic instrumentation exemplified Tharpe’s innovative approach to music.
In the late 1940s, Tharpe partnered with gospel singer Marie Knight, forming a successful duo that recorded several hits, including “Beams of Heaven” (1947) and “He Watches Me” (1948). Their collaboration blended Tharpe’s dynamic guitar playing with Knight’s more subdued vocal style, creating a harmonious and influential sound.
Later Years and European Influence
In the 1950s and 1960s, Tharpe’s popularity in the United States waned, but she continued to perform internationally, particularly in Europe. Her 1964 European tour with Muddy Waters was significant, as it introduced her music to new audiences and influenced the development of British blues. Guitarists such as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Keith Richards have cited Tharpe as a major influence on their playing styles.
Despite facing health challenges in her later years, Tharpe remained committed to her music, continuing to perform until her death in 1973.
Legacy and Recognition
Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s contributions to music have been increasingly recognized in recent years. In 1998, the United States Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp in her honor. In 2007, she was inducted posthumously into the Blues Hall of Fame. Her legacy was further cemented in 2018 when she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an Early Influence.
Tharpe’s life and career have been the subject of various scholarly works and documentaries, including the 2013 PBS American Masters film “Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll.” Her story continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music enthusiasts, highlighting her pivotal role in shaping the sound and direction of modern music.
Personal Life
In 1934, Tharpe married minister Thomas J. Tharpe, from whom she took her stage name. The couple separated in 1938 and divorced in 1943. She remarried twice but retained the Tharpe surname professionally. Her personal life, particularly her relationships and the challenges she faced as a Black woman in the music industry, reflected the complexities of navigating fame and personal identity during her era.
Discography Highlights
- “Rock Me” (1938)
- “This Train” (1939)
- “Strange Things Happening Every Day” (1944)
- “Beams of Heaven” (1947)
- “He Watches Me” (1948)
Final Years and Death
Sister Rosetta Tharpe passed away on October 9, 1973, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the age of 58. Her death marked the end of an era in gospel and rock music, but her influence endures. Tharpe’s innovative approach to music and her fearless blending of genres left an indelible mark on the music industry, ensuring her place as a foundational figure in the history of popular music.
