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Sister Rosetta Tharpe

American gospel musician (1915–1973).

Born March 20th, 1915 in Cotton Plant. [ref]

Died October 9th, 1973 at 58 years old in Philadelphia (stroke). [ref]

Occupations
guitarist, jazz guitarist, musician, singer

Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1915-1973) passed away on October 9th, 1973 at the age of 58. Born in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, Rosetta was a pioneer of modern gospel music, gifted with a powerful singing voice, blazing guitar skills, and a go-for-broke stage presence which lured audiences to nightclubs and churches alike. Rosetta began performing at an early age, becoming one of the most popular gospel singers of her era. During her career, she toured with Reverend P.A. Pleasant and The Johnson Brothers, and headlined a show at the Shaw Theater in New York City. She had a profound influence on the music of the early 20th century, bringing a unique, electrifying sound to spiritual music. She influenced the development of rock and roll, and many of her records have been cited as being among the greatest early examples of the genre. Her impact as a passionate musician who fused the sounds of the Gospel with the secular was felt across all of music. She was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. Rosetta Tharpe was an iconic and beloved figure in music history. She will be remembered for her artistry, remarkable performances, and her impact on modern music.

Anything I’ve done that was ultimately worthwhile initially scared me to death. Betty Bender