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James J. Kriegsmann, photog.

[Sister Rosetta Tharpe.]

New York, [ca. 1938]. 9” x 7.5”, plus margins.

A delightful publicity photo of pathbreaking African-American singer, songwriter and guitarist Sister Rosetta Tharpe, likely taken around the time of a performance at New York City’s Cotton Club.

Born in Arkansas, Rosetta Tharpe (1915–1973) was a musical prodigy who mastered the guitar at the age of six. She achieved popularity in the 1930s and ‘40s through her gospel recordings. Considered one of the greatest gospel singers of her generation, Tharpe’s unique sound is widely regarded as a precursor to rock ‘n’ roll music. Later dubbed "the original soul sister," Tharpe influenced early rock ‘n’ roll musicians such as Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and Elvis. Tharpe was among the first to use heavy distortion on her electric guitar, a technique that strongly influenced British blues music. Her 1964 European tour with Muddy Waters has been referenced by British guitarists Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Keith Richards. Tharpe helped push spiritual music into the mainstream, and made early contributions to the genre of pop-gospel.

James J. Kriegsmann (1909–1994) was a celebrity and theatrical photographer who worked from the 1920s to the 1960s. At the time this photo was taken, Kriegsmann served as the official photographer for the Cotton Club.

REFERENCES: Ankeny, Jason. Sister Rosetta Tharpe at allmusic.com; Wald, Gayle. Shout, Sister, Shout! (Beacon Press, 2007), pp. 39-40; Sister Rosetta Tharpe: the Godmother of Rock & Roll at pbs.org

CONDITION: Good, light creasing and rippling, some mottling along right side of image, residual black album paper at verso.

Item #6021

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