Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a gospel singer, songwriter and guitarist who was unique in her genre as the pioneer of performing gospel using an electric guitar, to the extent that many of her records and performances have been seen as early examples of rock 'n' roll, and she acquired the nicknames "the original soul sister" and "the Godmother of rock 'n' roll". Rock 'n' roll artists like Elvis Presley and Little Richard, and blues guitarists like Eric Clapton and Jeff beck cite her as an influence.
This rocking 16 track LP includes releases with Lucky Millinder's Orchestra, duets with fellow gospel singer Marie Knight, and tracks where she is accompanied by The Sam Price Trio. Her work strayed into the mainstream R&B market, and this collection includes her US R&B hits "Strange Things Happening Every Day", "Precious Memories", "Up Above My Head I Hear Music In The Air" and "Silent Night" alongside single releases from her iconic album "Gospel Train". She was an artist who broke the mould of how gospel could be performed and this collection from a key era of her career is a substantial and entertaining showcase for her unique approach.
Track Listing:
1. Rock Me
2. My Man and I
3. That's All
4. This Train
5. Trouble in Mind
6. Shout, Sister, Shout
7. Strange Things Happening Every Day
8. Didn't It Rain
9. Precious Memories
10. Up Above My Head, Hear Music in the Air
11. My Journey to the Sky
12. Down By the Riverside
13. Silent Night (Christmas Hymn)
14. You Gotta Move
15. When They Ring the Golden Bells
16. Jericho