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Rosetta Nubin was born in Cotton Plant, Arkansas in 1915. One
of America's most popular gospel singers, Sister Rosetta is remembered
for her powerful voice, natural flamboyance and pioneering spirit.
Rosetta began her singing career performing throughout
the South and Midwest with her mother, a traveling evangelist. They
eventually settled in Chicago during the late 1920s, where Rosetta had
made her original debut singing and playing guitar at the age of six.
Not long afterwards they began touring with P.W. McGhee's tent
revivals.
Rosetta moved to New York City in the mid thirties and
in1938 she recorded the hit songs, Rock Me, That's
All, and This Train for Decca Records She began
billing herself as Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Rosetta performed with Lucky
Millinder and Benny Goodman during the late thirties and early
forties.
In 1946 Rosetta made several recordings with Marie
Knight and they toured together with several quartets. When Rosetta
and Marie began recording blues during the early fifties, many of
their fans felt betrayed. Rosetta returned to her gospel singing, but
Marie continued to sing the blues.
Because of the furor and the controversy over
Rosetta's blues singing period, she never again regained the
popularity and success she had enjoyed earlier. She did enjoy some
success when she toured Europe with Muddy Waters in the sixties, but
was soon relegated to playing in small churches throughout the
country.
Rosetta suffered a stroke in 1970 and lost the use of
her legs. She continued to sing, however and toured with the
Nightingales in 1972.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe died on October 9, 1973 in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sources:
Encyclopedia
Africana
Atlanta
Music Group (AMG)
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