The Genius Innovation of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll

It is hard to find a genre of music that was not invented or finds its roots in the Black experience. When we think of jazz, blues, gospel and even rock ‘n’ roll, the originators and innovators were many times, Black names many of us had never heard of. For example, Elvis helped himself to Big Mama Thornton’s hit song, Hound Dog. Led Zeppelin snatched up Muddy Waters’ You Need Love and turned it into Whole Lotta Lovin’ producing one of the most iconic guitar riffs. While there’s countless other examples, to celebrate Black Music Month, History Bites takes a look at the one who ushered in a sound unique enough to match her bold personality. By the 1940s, the young gospel singer and guitarist took the instrument she picked up at 4 and created a distinctive sound that went on to change the landscape of music forever. In addition to dominating a male heavy industry, she was an openly queer woman, even touring with her partner. Join HB as we dig into the origins of rock ‘n’ roll.