Shout, Sister, Shout!

1. Rosetta Tharpe: Gospel's First Crossover Star

Beginning in the 1930s, she commenced a colorful career as gospel’s original crossover artist, its first nationally known star, and the most thrilling and celebrated guitarist of its Golden Age.

Breaking Boundaries. Rosetta Tharpe defied categorization, blending gospel, blues, jazz, and popular music. Her unique sound and flamboyant style challenged the norms of her time, earning her both fame and criticism.

Early Notoriety. Unlike contemporaries like Mahalia Jackson, who upheld gospel traditions, Rosetta embraced creative insubordination and showbiz flamboyance. This set her apart and made her a controversial figure within the church community.

Influence on Rock and Roll. Rosetta's music and guitar playing significantly influenced early rock and roll artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Little Richard. Her 1945 hit "Strange Things Happening Every Day" is considered by some to be the first rock-and-roll song.

2. Sanctified Sound: The Church of God in Christ's Influence

In COGIC, Willis and Katie discovered more than an institution in which they could reaffirm, from week to week, a sense of black community and humanity.

Pentecostal Roots. The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) played a pivotal role in shaping Rosetta's musical foundation. Its emphasis on emotional expressiveness and the use of diverse instruments influenced her unique style.

Experiential Faith. COGIC stressed the importance of a lived faith, encouraging worshipers to express their devotion through music, dance, and speaking in tongues. This experiential approach to religion shaped Rosetta's performance style.

Women in COGIC. While women were barred from ordination, they held significant roles as evangelists, teachers, and musicians. This created opportunities for female performers like Rosetta to thrive within the church.

3. Chicago's Gospel Roots and Rosetta's Early Career

In Chicago, Rosetta also discovered music as a means of earning others’ approval.

Migration to Chicago. The Great Migration brought many African Americans to Chicago, fostering a vibrant gospel scene. Rosetta's family was part of this movement, seeking economic opportunity and religious community.

Fortieth Street Church. The Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ became a central part of Rosetta's life in Chicago. The church's embrace of diverse instruments and expressive worship shaped her musical development.

Early Performances. Rosetta's talent was recognized early, and she began performing as a soloist in church at a young age. This early exposure helped her develop her unique style and gain confidence as a performer.

4. From Church to Club: Rosetta's Secular Leap

For Rosetta, leaving the church to pursue a secular career was inseparable from leaving Tommy Tharpe; she knew that her husband couldn’t pursue his career and condone her move.

Leaving the Church. Rosetta's decision to perform at the Cotton Club marked a significant departure from her religious upbringing. This move was met with criticism from some within the church community.

The Cotton Club. The Cotton Club, a segregated nightclub in New York City, provided Rosetta with a platform to showcase her talent to a wider audience. This exposure helped her gain national recognition.

Navigating Two Worlds. Rosetta's move to the secular stage created tension between her religious beliefs and her professional ambitions. She attempted to bridge these worlds by bringing gospel music to secular audiences.

5. Swinging Spirituals: Controversy and Acceptance

Some—especially in the Pentecostal Church—preferred a musician with a little less swing in her spirituals and schmaltz in her style.

The "Swinging Spirituals" Debate. Rosetta's blending of gospel with secular styles sparked controversy within the church community. Some criticized her for "desecrating" sacred music.

Defenders of Tradition. Figures like Thomas Dorsey voiced concerns about the use of spirituals for dance purposes. This reflected a broader tension between preserving religious traditions and embracing popular culture.

Zora Neale Hurston's Perspective. Some intellectuals, like Zora Neale Hurston, argued that spirituals were inherently danceable and that Rosetta's approach was a natural extension of this tradition.

6. The Power of Duets: Marie Knight and Rosetta's Partnership

She had a gift and so did I and the two gifts go together.

Finding Harmony. Rosetta's partnership with Marie Knight brought a new dimension to her music. Their contrasting vocal styles and stage presence created a dynamic and captivating performance.

"Didn't It Rain". Their first hit as a duo, "Didn't It Rain," showcased their ability to blend gospel themes with a bluesy feel. The song's success solidified their reputation as a powerful gospel duo.

Beyond the Music. The relationship between Rosetta and Marie extended beyond the stage. They became close friends and confidantes, supporting each other through personal and professional challenges.

7. A Home and a Name: Richmond, Virginia and the Rosettes

She wasn’t a groveler, and she didn’t let us grovel.

Finding Stability. Rosetta's purchase of a home in Richmond, Virginia, marked a period of stability in her life. This home became a gathering place for friends and fellow musicians.

The Rosettes. Rosetta formed a backup group called the Rosettes, providing opportunities for young singers to develop their talents. This group added a new layer of depth and harmony to her performances.

Community Support. The Rosettes became more than just backup singers; they became a close-knit community, supporting each other through the challenges of life on the road.

8. The Wedding Spectacle: Rosetta's Unconventional Fame

Gospel singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe is a big girl with a big voice who believes in doing things in a big way.

A Public Affair. Rosetta's decision to stage her wedding in a baseball stadium was a bold and unconventional move. This event drew thousands of spectators and generated significant publicity.

Blending Sacred and Secular. The wedding spectacle blurred the lines between religious ceremony and theatrical performance. This reflected Rosetta's ongoing efforts to bridge the worlds of gospel and popular culture.

Criticism and Celebration. While some criticized the spectacle as being in poor taste, others celebrated Rosetta's audacity and her ability to draw attention to gospel music.

9. The Blues Beckon: A Brush with Secular Music

Everything she did, she did well. Even when she was singing blues with Lucky Millinder . . . whatever she did, she always put her heart [into it].

Exploring New Sounds. Rosetta's collaboration with Lucky Millinder led her to explore more secular musical styles. This experimentation resulted in hits like "I Want a Tall Skinny Papa."

"Big Fat Mama". The release of "Big Fat Mama" alongside "Trouble in Mind" highlighted the tension between Rosetta's gospel roots and her forays into secular music. This juxtaposition sparked debate about the morality of "swinging the spirituals."

The "R" Bomb. Rosetta's performance of secular material led some to question her commitment to gospel music. This controversy underscored the challenges of crossing between sacred and secular genres.

10. European Acclaim: A Rebirth on the World Stage

They Call Her ‘Holy Roller’: Rosetta Flies in to Rock London

Overseas Triumph. Rosetta's tours of Europe in the late 1950s and early 1960s revitalized her career. She found enthusiastic audiences who appreciated her unique blend of gospel and blues.

British Blues Revival. Rosetta's music resonated with young British musicians who were drawn to the raw emotion and authenticity of American blues. She became an influential figure in the British blues revival.

A New Audience. In Europe, Rosetta found a new audience who embraced her music without the same cultural baggage that existed in the United States. This allowed her to express herself more freely and connect with listeners on a deeper level.

11. The Legacy of a Guitar-Playing Woman

“That girl could play that guitar.”

Breaking Barriers. Rosetta's skill as a guitarist challenged gender norms in the music industry. Her ability to wield the instrument with authority and ease inspired other women to pursue their musical ambitions.

Making the Guitar Talk. Rosetta's guitar playing was more than just technical skill; it was a form of expression. She used her instrument to convey emotion, tell stories, and connect with her audience on a spiritual level.

Influence on Rock Guitar. Rosetta's guitar style, characterized by its energy, innovation, and showmanship, influenced countless musicians, including many of the guitar heroes of rock and roll.

12. Unmarked Grave, Unfading Vibrations: Rosetta's Enduring Influence

She was so strong in her convictions. She didn’t let nobody change her around.

Unmarked Grave. Despite her significant contributions to music, Rosetta Tharpe's grave remained unmarked for many years. This reflects the challenges of preserving the legacies of black women in American history.

Enduring Vibrations. Rosetta's music continues to inspire and influence artists today. Her unique blend of gospel, blues, and rock and roll has left an indelible mark on the landscape of American music.

A Call for Recognition. The story of Rosetta Tharpe serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of often-overlooked figures in music history. Her legacy deserves to be remembered and honored.

Last updated: March 3, 2025