Little C: Sister Rosetta Sang the Blues

Readers, it is Black History Month, where we focus on some of the leaders of our country that we don't hear about in every class in high school. So I wanted to take an opportunity to tell you about one of my favorite musicians, who gets written out of history more often than not. She was the woman who really created Rock and Roll. She inspired Johnny Cash, Chuck Barry, and Elvis Presley. I'm talking about the one and only Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

Most days people put Rosetta's music into Gospel and Blues category but I would point out that in the 30's and 40's Rock and Roll hadn't been invented. But she could shred on a guitar and she was the first to use the lyrics "rock me" into a song. She is the very beginning of everything, the person who influenced the person who influence the person who you listen to on Spoitfy every morning. It's one of the great injustices of the world that she isn't credited more often but the socially lethal combination of being both black and a woman meant that everyone else got the fame. She started singing in churches in the south but she soon sang in nightclubs and bars as well. Her style was different from the blues artists, and she started using an electric guitar... And boy could she shred. Take a listen people, to where it all started. 

This must be how normal people feel about Beyonce...

This woman was a force. That guitar she plays in the video is a very early Gibson SG (the same guitar I own) but she also used an early Les Paul and a Gretsch... I know I'm nerding out but this is important. Because the guitars she preferred were later used by all the people you know of who began the rock movement in the 50s. And also those who continue to play Rock and Roll. 

Sister Rosetta, Angus Young, Jerry Garcia, Lenny Kravitz

So let's all take a moment to remember this amazing woman and celebrate the style of music that she brought into existence. Because without her there's no Jimi, no Woodstock, no Warped Tour, and no Beyonce. This singular woman set in motion a musical revolution. So take a moment and listen to where it all started, and give this lady the credit she deserves. 

Happy listening,

Little C