The Godmother of Rock & Roll: Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Professor Gayle Wald is part of an upcoming American Masters presentation on PBS. Readers of this blog are already familiar with Professor Wald’s important book on African American guitarist and singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Shout, Sister, Shout! The Untold Story of Rock-and-Roll Trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Tharpe’s story is now detailed in a new film set to premier nationally on February 22 at 9 PM.
You can watch the trailer, which includes commentary from Professor Wald here.
As PBS describes the new film, The Godmother of Rock & Roll,
“Southern-born, Chicago-raised and New York-made. She could play the guitar like nobody else… nobody.
Discover the life, music and influence of African-American gospel singer and guitar virtuoso Sister Rosetta Tharpe from writer, producer and director Mick Csaky. During the 1940s-60s, Tharpe introduced the spiritual passion of her gospel music into the secular world of rock ’n’ roll, inspiring some of its greatest stars, including Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Little Richard.
The film features archival performances and new interviews with musicians, producers and friends, including Joe Boyd, tour manager of the 1964 American Folk, Blues and Gospel Caravan; Lottie Henry of The Rosettes; Gordon Stoker of The Jordanaires; Howard Caroll of gospel group The Dixie Hummingbirds, which toured frequently with Tharpe; Anthony Heilbut, gospel record producer and writer; life-long friend Roxie Moore; Ira Tucker, Jr., son of The Dixie Hummingbirds’ Ira Tucker, Sr.; Tharpe biographer Gayle Wald; and others.”
Be sure to tune in for this exciting premiere!
