Portrait of Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Origin: Cotton Plant, Arkansas, USA Years: March 20, 1915 - October 9, 1973

Sister Rosetta Tharpe, born Rosetta Nubin, was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who pioneered gospel music and influenced development of rock and roll. A trailblazing performer, Tharpe combined spiritual lyrics with electric guitar virtuosity, creating distinctive sound that bridged gospel, blues, and rock. Known for hits like 'This Train,' 'Strange Things Happening Every Day,' and 'Up Above My Head,' Tharpe recorded over 200 songs from 1938 to 1970 and performed at landmark venues including Carnegie Hall and the Apollo Theater. A Grammy Hall of Fame inductee and Blues Hall of Fame member, Tharpe influenced Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Elvis Presley, and countless rock and roll pioneers. Her recordings have sold over 5 million copies worldwide.

GospelRock and RollBluesR&BSpiritualsGospel Blues

Discography Overview

During her recording career from 1938 to 1970, Tharpe released over 200 songs across Decca, Mercury, and other labels, with multiple gospel hits and crossover appeal to secular audiences. Her Decca Records catalog (1938-1946) produced classic spirituals like 'This Train' (1939) and 'Strange Things Happening Every Day' (1944), while her later work on Mercury Records (1950s-1960s) featured collaborations with Marie Knight. Tharpe pioneered electric guitar in gospel music, influencing Chuck Berry's guitar style and inspiring Little Richard's vocal energy. Her 1964 performance at the Newport Folk Festival introduced her to new generation of rock fans. Posthumously, 'This Train' was inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame in 2020. Her recordings have sold over 5 million copies worldwide.

Key Albums

  • The Gospel Soul of Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1960)
  • Gospel Train (1960)
  • In Concert (1960)
  • Precious Memories (1964)
  • Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1966)
  • The Gospel Sound (1968)

Key Songs

  • This Train
  • Strange Things Happening Every Day
  • Up Above My Head
  • Down by the Riverside
  • Rock Me
  • Precious Lord, Take My Hand
  • The Gospel Truth
  • Jericho
  • Beams of Heaven
  • I Want to Live So God Can Use Me
  • Nobody's Fault but Mine
  • Jesus Met the Woman at the Well

Career Timeline

  1. 1910s Began performing as child prodigy at church revivals and tent meetings
  2. 1936 Moved to New York; began performing at Cotton Club and other venues
  3. 1938 Signed with Decca Records; recorded debut singles including 'This Train'
  4. 1939 Released 'This Train' and 'God Don't Like Ugly' became gospel hits
  5. 1940 Married Thomas Tharpe; formed duo 'Rosetta and Tharpe'
  6. 1941 Appeared in short film 'The Spirit Moves'
  7. 1944 Released 'Strange Things Happening Every Day' and 'Rock Me'
  8. 1947 Collaborated with Marie Knight; recorded duets
  9. 1948 Performed at Carnegie Hall in historic gospel concert
  10. 1950 Signed with Mercury Records; continued recording success
  11. 1956 Appeared at Apollo Theater; solidified national reputation
  12. 1960 Released 'The Gospel Soul of Sister Rosetta Tharpe' and 'Gospel Train' albums
  13. 1964 Performed at Newport Folk Festival; introduced to rock audience
  14. 1965 European tour; performed in churches and concert halls
  15. 1967 Suffered stroke that affected right side
  16. 1968 Released final album 'The Gospel Sound' despite health challenges
  17. 1970 Retired from performing due to declining health
  18. 1973 Died from stroke in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at age 58; career spanned 35 years
  19. 2018 Inducted into Blues Hall of Fame
  20. 2020 'This Train' inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame

Influence Graph

How Sister Rosetta Tharpe sits in the influence chain

Influenced by

  • Gospel Quartets
  • Mother Maybelle Carter
  • Blues Guitarists
  • Chicago Gospel
  • Camp Meetings

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