SISTER ROSETTA THARPE

The bluesy, guitar-wielding Sister Rosetta Tharpe began singing gospel music in the late 1930s. Throughout her career, her independent streak caused her Christian beliefs to be questioned by her churchgoing brethren. Unlike other gospel singers, Tharpe occasionally performed the blues in juke joints, eliciting censure from the sacred community. However, her emotive singing and powerful guitar playing, exemplified by "Down By the Riverside" won many converts.

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