Beverley Knight on Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the godmother of rock and roll

In this episode of Great Lives, singer and actress Beverley Knight pays tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the pioneering gospel musician hailed as the 'godmother of rock and roll.' Knight explores Tharpe's groundbreaking career, from her early life in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, to her rise as a dynamic performer who fused gospel with secular music, influencing legends like Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Bob Dylan, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Through interviews with music producer Jo Boyd, who worked with Tharpe during her 1964 UK tour, and insights from biographer Gail Wald, the episode reveals Tharpe’s flamboyant stage presence, her defiance of church norms by incorporating electric guitar and secular lyrics, and her deep spiritual faith that endured despite criticism. The narrative also touches on her complex personal life, including her long-term relationship with Marie Knight, her three marriages—particularly her exploitative third—her struggles with diabetes and loss of a leg, and her tragic death in 1973, buried in an unmarked grave. Despite her early demise and marginalization in rock history, Tharpe’s legacy is now being reclaimed, with Knight emphasizing her joy, authenticity, and revolutionary impact on music and identity. Key takeaways include: Tharpe was a true pioneer who fused gospel and rock decades before the genre emerged; her music bridged sacred and secular worlds with bold creativity; she challenged racial and gender norms in a deeply segregated era; her relationship with Marie Knight was a profound love story that defied societal expectations; and her legacy is being recentered in music history. The episode ends with a call to rediscover Tharpe’s work online, celebrating her as a joyful, fearless artist whose influence echoes through generations.