Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1915-1973) was a gospel singer, pianist, and guitarist whose combination of holy rolling and louche swing made her one of the forgotten godparents of rock. ("Sister" was a nickname, not a title; she was no sort of nun.) Her protégé Marie Knight (1925-2009) had a churchier alto ... More
Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1915-1973) was a gospel singer, pianist, and guitarist whose combination of holy rolling and louche swing made her one of the forgotten godparents of rock. ("Sister" was a nickname, not a title; she was no sort of nun.) Her protégé Marie Knight (1925-2009) had a churchier alto ... More
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