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Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Born 1915 · Joined the Ancestors 1973
Fact
Often called the Godmother of Rock and Roll
Fact
Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and Elvis cited her as direct influence
Fact
Strange Things Happening Every Day (1944) predated rock by a decade
Sister Rosetta Tharpe was the godmother of rock and roll — a gospel singer and guitarist whose performances in the 1930s and 40s laid the groundwork for Chuck Berry, Elvis, and Little Richard. She was shredding on an electric guitar before the instrument was common in popular music.
Her 1944 hit Strange Things Happening Every Day is often cited as the first rock and roll record, predating the genre supposed origins by a full decade.
Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, and Elvis all cited her as a primary influence. Her 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction was a long-overdue correction.
Oh, come on baby, let the good times roll.— Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Key Milestones
A Life in Firsts
1915
Born in Cotton Plant, Arkansas; performing by age six
1938
Records first hits for Decca Records
1944
Strange Things Happening Every Day — often called first rock record
1945
Performs to 25,000 at Griffith Stadium
1964
Tours Europe, influencing British rock musicians
2018
Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
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