Sister Rosetta Tharpe

USA, 1938–1973

American gospel singer and guitarist, known as the Godmother of Rock and Roll. She performed sacred repertoire on amplified electric guitar from the late 1930s, a combination taken up by early rock and roll performers.

MusicRoots documents 1 artist who influenced Sister Rosetta Tharpe and 4 artists Sister Rosetta Tharpe influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Sister Rosetta Tharpe?

• Ma Rainey — Ma Rainey's classic blues tradition was a formative influence on Tharpe's expressive style.

Which artists did Sister Rosetta Tharpe influence?

• Chuck Berry — Tharpe's aggressive electric guitar in a gospel context was a direct model for Chuck Berry, who called his career 'one long Rosetta Tharpe impersonation.'
• Little Richard — Sister Rosetta brought the young Little Richard onto the stage.
• Elvis Presley — Tharpe's gospel phrasing can be heard in Elvis's early style.
• The Band — One of Levon Helm's named influences, alongside Howlin' Wolf and Hank Williams.