Sister Rosetta Tharpe 1915-1973 - life and guitars
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Up Above My Head , TV Gospel Time, c.1962, YouTube, duration: 2.54 minutes. ------------------ Contents Introduction Chronology Guitars Analyses References ------------------ 1. Introduction In 2026 Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1915-1973) is variously proclaimed the woman who invented rock n' roll , or creator of the modern electric guitar sound and technique . All of this is in some ways true. Yet during her lifetime, whilst she achieved a great deal, including producing million selling records, as a black woman she was not given the credit due. This article seeks to test the aforementioned claims by presenting evidence of her achievements, with a focus on the her use of the electric guitar, usually within the context of her role as a gospel singer and performer. However, it was her unique, upbeat style that saw her first publically associated with the term rock and roll and 1942: It's Sister Rosetta Tharpe for the rock and roll...
