Born Rosetta Nubin in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, Sister Rosetta Tharpe would become a pioneering gospel singer and electric guitarist whose influence shaped the future of rock and roll. Her fusion of spiritual lyrics with rhythmic swing captivated audiences. She rose to national prominence after performing “Rock Me” with Cab Calloway and the Cotton Club Revue, and her career took off following a record deal with Decca Records. Tharpe was later featured in LIFE magazine and is credited as a foundational influence on artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Little Richard.
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