There are many great musicians in the rock and roll hall of fame,black and white,and yes she should be in it,the godmother of Rock and Roll,,,,no need to hate on others,,,,,
joseph--She is Now in the Rock and Roll and Blues Hall of Fame, from a small town, Cotton Plant, Ar.-- to God Mother of Rock and Roll, First Black women to Break the Strings on an Electric Guitar...
Just so yall know it, don’t be ignorant of Course Americans knew about blues, this was in the 70’s, and I assure you we had Blues clubs all over in the South at the turn of the Century so You Britts didn’t educate us!!!!!
Anthony Heilbut who is in the film has been writing about her in books and articles since 1972. One of the books is used as textbook book and is insomething like its 30th edition. Her biography by Wald, who is also in the film, is what inspired the film. There have been several releases of her music since her death. Long before this documentory they reissued all of her studio albums, they have released several live albums, numerous compilation packages, even an 8 record box set. So, she has always been out there and available. I doubt there has ever been a time since her first record in 1938 that you couldn't buy her records. So, no it didn't take British media to educate the world about her.
This woman should be remembered way more today. Perfect performer, musician and spirit. A shining inspiration for music around the world. Amazing story. I love that first, "Didn't it raaaiiinn children...." At that train station gig. Blows my mind.
Same here. I knew of her, and her significance, but not to this extent. Once again, it took the Brits to have us appreciate our own, home grown rock n roll. Excellent documentary.
I thought I knew rock and roll...I don't...Ms. Rosetta Tharpe IS the mother of rock and roll. A treasure of a film and a true real talent. Thanks for sharing this!
I first learned about her at the Stax Records Museum in Memphis. Imagine, the forebearer of Rock n' Roll was a black woman and Evangelical Gospel singer who just played the electric guitar like it was an extension of her soul. That final performance and song is just haunting, we here in the states had no idea what we gave away.
Bringing tears to my eyes, thinking bout my mama, grandmama & daddy, aunt Irene, Jean (Gloria Bankston) & Mickey (Mary Louise Johnson) & how could i forget my uncle Captain Jonathon Graham. Memories is everything, What a national hero, THANKS, SISTER ROSETTA THARPE
She was a very good musician. She started in a key that was different from the band but she picked up on their key within a few beats. That comes from a remarkable musical skill.
I'm young enough to be her great-grandson, and I wouldnt've been old enough to remember her when she died in 1973. Fool that I am though, even in B&W film 47 years later, a fool like me can plainly see Sister Rosetta's passion & sincerity; her _authenticity..._ You just can't fake that. She had the purist heart & I dare say that outside the Black communities & churches that held her in well-deserved high esteem, and who desperately needed the inspiration & restrengthening she so generously gave them, the world outside was unworthy of her (Hebrews 11:32--40)
*@Angela Cooper* Hi Angela! Getting yourself & your two kids in sync, no problem. But the family dog too?! If ever theres a competition for best cover photo on UA-cam, then yours has to be the very best one. Just looking at it does wonders- - Im actually printing & hanging it on the wall Anyway, I just wrote an article on Rosetta Tharpe, to be sent to penpals that I have on UA-cam, like yourself. Since you read the Bible, I thought you might enjoy it. God Bless You & your beautiful family, m'lady! 💜💙💛... An authentic Soul Woman to precede Aretha Franklin, Fontella Bass, & even our late Etta James... What an indomitable spirit! What an eternal celestial example of the very best humanity. And she gave every drop of what she had in her to restengthen Black people... and give them the hope they so desperately needed, at a critical time when they were severely oppressed in America, & needed it the very most And I know all about her reputation- - three marriages & allegations of enshadowed lesbianism. But tell me, what human being accomplishes so much good in their life without sin? (Ecclesiasties 7:19-- 20; Mark 2:17) Look at anyone else who had to rise from out of the ghetto- - especially Black Harlem during those years- - uncorrupted & unscathed by that gritty ugly world & still clinging to life? Who?! At least the Black churches & the Black Community cherished her. But the world outside proved unworthy of her (Hebrews 11:32--38) Jack Johnson, Scott Joplin, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sam Cooke, Ben E. King, & Marvin Gaye are just a handful of people who rose from the very worst of that dark battleground. They werent snow white angels, either. (Matthew 10:32--39) But theyve accomplished so much good in the lives of others & made the world a better place for millions through their music Rosetta never got the historic recognition, nor the professional recognition she deserved during her lifetime. And you can call this gushing, deifying, putting her on a pedestal or whatever you like. We all owe her a debt that can never be repaid for the everlasting impact shes made in the world, across the generations, & for each & every one of us (Matthew 10:39--42; Romans 6:7 & 23) "Look! I am creating a new heavens & a new earth; and the former things will not be called to mind, neither will they come up into the heart... Look! I am making all things new" ~Isaiah 65:17 & 21--25; Revelation 21:1--8; 22:16, 17 & 20 God Bless them all 😇
I love her Friend who kept her grounded. I love that they refer to eachother as Sister. Friends can be so much more special than your own blood family.
31 years old and id never heard of her until today! absolute legend, why hasnt their been a movie made about her, in the style of walk the line would be awesome
Omg😍😍😍! The older I get the more I appreciate my people, Our talent is unmatched, what we endured😢😢only God knows. You go girl!!! Beautiful Black Queen 👑👑👑🙌🙌💪💪👌
I am an atheist myself, but man, I would never ever dare to question or doubt on that beautiful woman's faith and trust in her god. I dearly respect that and I hope her lord really heard her out that day, and answered her prayers. May you rest in peace Sister Rosetta Tharpe. With loves and joy,
Well, I didn't watch the 2018 awards ceremony for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. And call me something of a troll against the R&RHoF, but I doubt those fickle bast**** supressed their arrogance for what few minutes were needed to say the words: "Tonight we are here to honor our venerable Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Without her & her body of work, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame wouldn't exist. And many major artists, including Elvis Presley, would've never realized the level of success that they have, had it not been for her"
What i loved about this great film she grew up in the church like so many black artist but,she was so blessed, with talent only few people have, she's was a Gospel, Blues & Rock &Roll Angel.God Bless you RIP
AMEN and GOD BLESS YOU SISTER........you went to early...and lived way too hard ....! ..Rock and Roll and all music owes you tons of love and appreciation .......
Here in the U.K. we are lucky to get regular music films on the BBC. It needs to be shared. Unfortunately there are huge commercial interests that are campaigning to dismantle the BBC and hand over all broadcasting and news programming to commercial interests.
We must alway fight for the BBC that we have, it's the greatest Broadcaster in the world. Because commercial interest are not it's main concern therefore we the public benefit immensely from it, with stunning and amazing programs and documentaries as we've just seen.
*@corporal henshaw* In that case more Americans & Europeans need to learn of the BBC's plight, so we can all have a hand in helping out. Our domestic programming through PBS would be IMPOVERISHED without the contributions BBC makes with Britcoms, historic documentaries & nature documentaries every year Thank You for speaking up! ! Theres no way we couldve known that commercial powers are attempting to overtake the BBC 😠
BBC? That's a fact. They've become BFN: British Fake News today, a disaster catering for CORPORATIONS and vested interests. BBC won the war with Churchill! It was Gospel truth before Thatcher.
That performance on the Train platform for me is Television Gold, but saying that everything she did was superb. R I P Sister Rosetta Tharpe. A musical Icon trend setter.
One very talented and beautiful woman. Very influential and should be recognized as one of the earliest progenitors of riff guitar paving a path for many artists men and women from Aretha to Chuck Berry and beyond into the future... her influence will never end. Crossing over from gospel and secular music and back again. It may not have been rock but combining big band swing-jazz and boogie it lead the way!
How is it that I am 62 and never heard of Sister Rosetta Tharpe? I have been listening to folk music ever since I can remember, the blues since I was 16, worked 3+ years in a great record store with coworkers who could really play the blues and rock too, and spent waaayy too many hours exploring and discovering musicians on youtube like Dorothy Donegan. And yet, I find only out about Sister Rosetta now? Who was surely well known to Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy and ...? Many thanks to you @corporalhenshaw and the BBC too!
*@RCA88* You can thank Lucky Millinder, Rosetta's first employer, every theatre owner, every theatre manager, & every music producer that followed. Among their handful of other regulars, to these men she was just another performer for them to exploit. Plus this was the Era of American Apartheid; the days of Jim Crow. But still, any one of these people who benefited from her hard work & her talent couldve at least stood up for her & paid her proper tribute. And that includes Elvis. ...And this was only during her living years But even by the 1960s there was plenty enough there for music scholars & historians to recognize. They'd have to have been DEAD not to have noticed & to have known about Rosetta. And look how readily a BBC producer was able to pull relatively recent history of hers from film & music archives; period memorabilia of her; testimony of firsthand witnesses of her, still among the Living. Good gosh, she was right there with Cab Callaway. She wouldve known Duke Ellington for sure, possibly even Count Basie or Ella Fitzgerald. The Apollo Theatre? The Savoy? RKO Theatre in NYC?!?! What major people of big band & of jazz of the time did she NOT cross paths with?! Like any performer she wouldve been on the road, working the theatre-&-nightclub routes of Cincinatti, of Cleveland, Chicago, & NYC. So, same people, all in the very same places Society has failed Rosetta in so many ways. While still among the Living, the least she deserved was proper recognition from the Public & from the music industry for being such an influential part of Jazz & Blues history. But music scholars & historians continued to leave her stricken from the record for another 38 years after her death, until this BBC documentary was first televised, & generations now living could finally learn of her
Rosetta was a Gospel singer. In her very early career she sang two secular songs as the vocalist for Lucky Milander's orchestra. She never allowed them to be put on any future album because she didn't want to be thought of as a secular singer. She called herself an evangelist. She used to say "I don't play no blues, I don't sing no blues. I only sing for Jesus." So here in the States she was viewed as a Gospel act and only Gospel fans knew her. In Europe they kind of viewed Gospel as roots music and not spiritual. So she is thought of as a blues singer.
@@magnificentmuttley154 Anthony Heilbut's book The Gospel Sound prominently features her, it is 50 this year, Gayle Wald wrote a full biography about her, there are thousands of Newspaper clippings about her. Her music has never been out of print since 1938. She is mentioned in every encyclopedia type book on Gospel . She was not a rock, r&b or blues singer and would be devastated to know that is her legacy. She worked hard to keep from being labeled a blues singer. She was a Gospel singer and Gospel fans know her. You took a swipe at Elvis but he was someone who sang her songs and praised her talent.
@@RgTripleC Thanks to this BBC documentary one can see Rosetta was well advertised through the newspapers. I would have to do archival research to prove this, but its a strong possibility she was musical guest on a number of radio shows. So it's clear she was well known in the music world. And she had to have crossed paths with everyone from Duke Ellington, to Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, & Count Basie. Possibly even Benny Goodman or any members of Glenn Miller's orchestra & their associated singers Just like you say, I understood Rosetta to look at her performances as her "ministry." So you are absolutely right Sir, & Thank You. I humbly accept your correction. Being that Rosetta wanted to stay strictly within the church/ gospel world, this explains why she received little recognition from the recording industry & from music historians. (for example: professionally recognized by RIAA; Grammy Awards; R&R Hall of Fame) She wanted it that way! And in that case Elvis didn't deserve my criticizing him for not paying her tribute Jim Crow Era or not, Rosetta being Black or not, & knowing how exploitive music producers & recording execs were (& still are) it looked to me this was the reason public knowledge of Rosetta was supressed. But again, I was wrong. My knowledge of 20th Century music history will always be in need of improvement And Thank You for telling me about Gayle Wald's book, & about Anthony Heilbut's. I will gratefully find copies of these & study them ;D
Is much as youtube is asshole, the music content on here is amazing. I thought it was weird at 55 to hear for the first time Porcupine Tree with Steve Wilson who had broken up a dozen years ago. Oddly they are back and on tour, but so much amazing music I had missed for a dozen years. Now with seeing Rosetta. I feel blessed to have witnessed this 4 part series. Kanya, Kyrie, or some non woke motherfucker needs to make a movie for Rosetta. The world needs it.
Rosetta was a Gift from above. She paved the way tearing down all barriers. Love and emotion flowed from there. Her Powerful Guitar talent was like the Trumpet from on high waking up the slumbering thirsty soul. Truly the God Mother of Gospel/Blues/R&B and Rock Solo Guitar🇺🇸 RIP Sister.
What a liveable, talented lady! My word! Her charisma and charm is captivating. She wields that guitar with such skill and alacrity. Just amazing! And deserve more recognition.
I knew the name but I never realised that until rock and roll hit she was such a big star in America, its great that there are documentaries like this to put the record straight.
Wow. What a woman. She deserves all the credit we can give her for her amazing life. She had a cool way of playing the guitar and her timing was impeccable. She put her soul into the music and that's the only way to do it. Not many people in rock & roll know about her. Gospel did contribute to rock but so did country and the blues and R&B. People all put their own spin on it and that's why we have such a diversity in the rock sounds.
I'd never even heard about Rosetta Tharpe before I saw this documentary... Thanks for posting this vid. She deserves a lot of recognition.. I'm not a religious person myself, but I love what she did with gospel, and the cross-over to the roots of rock 'n roll; that lady with her spirit, her electric guitar.... What a woman.
I was directed to look into Sister Rosetta Tharpe's life and music many years ago by Bob Dylan. My life has been greatly enriched! Thank You, Sister Rosetta, and thank you Robert Zimmerman!
Thank you BBC and this uploader for giving us this story of her life. She was a beautiful soul and I know she is before the throne now singing with the angels.
PHENOMENAL GIFTED TALENTED INNOVATOR.. ORIGINAL ROCK AND ROLLER.. Now why were we never told about this great woman? Why are there no recorded visuals of her performing during the 40s and many of rhe youths who love rock and roll, never heard of her..? Once again, history has been betrayed, and left without relevance by such omission of paramount personalities and events. A Terrible loss to the world, by this lack of reverence, so amply deserved. We could go on and on with the likes of the many deliberately ignored pioneers in Nearly every area of artistry, and much more... who We do not have the luxury of learning about, which is deeply hurtful. Imagine African children in America, fueled by the proper education of such people as Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Then add the great inventors, scientists, Doctors, explorers, etc. Who look like them, and were never introduced in school, for them to have prideful connections to their great influence in the development of the country, from all angles. Then wonder, why children do not feel invested in heir public school curriculums, which do mot include their participation.. as though their ancestors did not usher in so very much of the marvels we admire. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to discover this great lady. Thank you.
The true Mother of Rock and Roll and her eclectic style of fusing Gospel Music with Rock and Roll; Gospel Rock as I call it plus that phenomenal voice is beyond ethereal. Her version of the gospel classic "Precious Memories" is my all time favorite. No one and I mean no one can sing that song like Sister Rosetta Tharpe!! Continue to RIP Queen Mother of Gospel Rock!!
WOW...what a documentary by the BBC! Sister Tharpe should have been in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's inaugural 1986 class-not still excluded as of 2014. When my parents went through my late paternal grandmother's effects after her passing in 1973, the only religious records among the collection of over 1300 Blues, Jazz, Pop, R&B and R&R discs were from...Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Enough said-and I'm not selling one record!
I’ve only come across Sister Rosetta Thorpe recently, through UA-cam. Just watching the first video, and I was hooked. I grew up in the 60s, so the sound was familiar. But, boy, that guitar playing was something else. For sure, she is the godmother of Rock ‘n Roll!
How come I haven't heard of this woman before? I am completely blown away of what I have seen in this video series, and left without words to express how impressed I am by her. She personifies the the thread from gospel/African American music into rock & roll. Her story makes it so obvious the connection to todays music and American Culture in general. I have been enlightened, thank you. God Bless Her!
You are so right, I have seen dozens of documentaries covering every topic under the sun which would never see the light of day in the US, unless PBS shows it to their three dozen viewers. For all the criticism the BBC gets, it is still the best state broadcaster in the world and people bitching about the licence fee should be careful what they wish for. Canada also has the excellent CBC which does a great job and all anybody moans about is that 'their' taxes are used to pay for it..
*@Steve Veasey* As a child of the 70s & a teenager of the 80s I would've been a much much poorer person had it not been for PBS and its rich inclusion of CBC & BBC programs... For what relatively little cost it is to our national budget, paying those syndication fees to the CBC & BBC organizations is but a small investment in our education. An investment that pays immeasurable dividends in terms of opening people's minds & hearts to the sciences, to the ecology, & to preservation & protection of our flora, fauna, & natural resources. Truly the gift that keeps right on giving PBS, with it's international cooperatives, has been an integral, & I assert an ESSENTIAL part of American education for 60 years now. It is television at it's noblest best; a public service. It has brought us one-of-a-kind programming from the world over, not just from the CBC & the BBC. So it has also given back to its viewers immeasurably concerning understanding & open-mindedness to foreign culture; to the lives & religions of countries around the world; dispelling myths, misinformation, & prejudices & building on interracial & international peace So paying for PBS & in turn it's international syndication fees to CBC & BBC is just one more way that our tax dollars pay for our education. To the critics of using tax dollars to support PBS, all I have to say is this: *"If you think **_education_** is expensive, try **_ignorance!"_** ~Author unknown*
How about Marcella Caen ? (Excuse misspelling), Tyhe sister who will be featured in the new Black Panther. I feel she should have played Nina Simone... She could totally pull this off too .
Here I am with tears in my eyes for becoming curious after hearing "didn't it rain". Tears or no tears, I am so glad I learned about such an absolute legend. I ain't even religious, but dearest Sister, you are loved, and you are remembered, as you should be, forever and always.
Its! 2018, January Congratulations! For been Inducted in The Rock n Roll! Hall of Fame! Gifted , & Legend Rosetta Tharpe , good Music , way before the late* Mahalia jackson,
What kind of person would hit the thumbs down for this documentary? This is an important part of American history, music history, and humanity at large.
Wow, this 4th part brings it all home. I can see all the influence she brought from BB to Joplin, Beatles to Zep, and everyone in between. She is the creator of Rock as far as I can see.
Tank you very much for the transmission, incredible women , Rosetta a su dépassé les troubles de l'époque et partager sa musique avec la jeunesse qui à l'époque en n'avait assez d'être coincé par la division de la ségrégation en Amérique, de même pour le cinéma " devine qui vient dîner ce soir " dans la chaleur de la nuit " , merci pour se très beau reportage tank you very much
Amazing video , wow what a blessed full of gift and talent person , wow the Rock'n'Roll was created by a woman who rocked her Gibson Les Paul triple humbuckers ( these first ones was called Les Paul not SG ) Thank you for uploading R.I.P Rockstar Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Thank you corporalhenshaw for this great documentary. I've heard her music over the years but never knew her life story. Thank You Sister Rosetta Tharpe...
❤❤how great she was had to leave her country to be ❤ by Young W. People really ❤ sad she couldn’t get a meal at the front door of restaurant in her own country had to go to the back and yet she so so strong ❤ you sisterRosetta
Thank you - What an amazing documentary series! I've only just discovered Rosetta tonight! 🎶 What a superb talent and gift from God 😇🙏 She brought gospel music out of the church 🛐 and to the people 😊🤗🎶 Definitely the Queen of Rock n Roll!!! 👗👠👑👏🎉
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, is the epitome of triple/quadruple threat. Talent/gifts oozed outta this woman, and SHE NEEDS TO BE PROPERLY ACKNOWLEDGED IN THE ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME NOW! RIGHT NOW.😐RIGHT NOW.🙌🏾✊🏾💪🏾🙏🏽💚😌
She's not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?Without her there would be no Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!!!!!!!!!
+umberto smith , Very well put!
Amen to that...
There are many great musicians in the rock and roll hall of fame,black and white,and yes she should be in it,the godmother of Rock and Roll,,,,no need to hate on others,,,,,
joseph--She is Now in the Rock and Roll and Blues Hall of Fame, from a small town, Cotton Plant, Ar.-- to God Mother of Rock and Roll, First Black women to Break the Strings on an Electric Guitar...
For God's Sake UA-cam this is not a Racist Statement!!!
It is a shame that it took British media to educate the world about an American legend and true Rick and roll pioneer. The Mother of Rock and Roll.
Just so yall know it, don’t be ignorant of Course Americans knew about blues, this was in the 70’s, and I assure you we had Blues clubs all over in the South at the turn of the Century so You Britts didn’t educate us!!!!!
@@nelvinspivey1220 I completely agree!
I literally just learned she existed this very morning...from a Brit!
@@drlrwilsings People who know gospel from the 40s-60s know her. She was unknown to most because she is a gospel singer.
Anthony Heilbut who is in the film has been writing about her in books and articles since 1972. One of the books is used as textbook book and is insomething like its 30th edition. Her biography by Wald, who is also in the film, is what inspired the film. There have been several releases of her music since her death. Long before this documentory they reissued all of her studio albums, they have released several live albums, numerous compilation packages, even an 8 record box set. So, she has always been out there and available. I doubt there has ever been a time since her first record in 1938 that you couldn't buy her records. So, no it didn't take British media to educate the world about her.
This woman should be remembered way more today. Perfect performer, musician and spirit. A shining inspiration for music around the world. Amazing story.
I love that first, "Didn't it raaaiiinn children...." At that train station gig. Blows my mind.
Me too. I love how she is handed an electric guitar seemingly out of nowhere.
Can you say "LEGEND" ?!!! Ran the game, had no shame, shined her FLAME 🎶👆💥😎✔️
I never heard of her until to night 12-31-2013,but I loved all 4 parts. I'm real glad I came across this video.
Me too saw the performance didn't it Rain, and I had to know more about her!❤️
I'm a little less ignorant today because of this documentary. Thank you for posting.
Same here. I knew of her, and her significance, but not to this extent. Once again, it took the Brits to have us appreciate our own, home grown rock n roll. Excellent documentary.
I thought I knew rock and roll...I don't...Ms. Rosetta Tharpe IS the mother of rock and roll. A treasure of a film and a true real talent. Thanks for sharing this!
I first learned about her at the Stax Records Museum in Memphis. Imagine, the forebearer of Rock n' Roll was a black woman and Evangelical Gospel singer who just played the electric guitar like it was an extension of her soul. That final performance and song is just haunting, we here in the states had no idea what we gave away.
2017 - Sister Rosetta voted into the R & R Hall of Fame - the house she built!
Bringing tears to my eyes, thinking bout my mama, grandmama & daddy, aunt Irene, Jean (Gloria Bankston) & Mickey (Mary Louise Johnson) & how could i forget my uncle Captain Jonathon Graham. Memories is everything, What a national hero, THANKS, SISTER ROSETTA THARPE
She was a very good musician. She started in a key that was different from the band but she picked up on their key within a few beats. That comes from a remarkable musical skill.
Felix Scott I caught that too.
That final TV performance in Holland was AMAZING she was not messing around she was pleading with her maker, very emotional.
Yes she was!!
Copenhagen is in DENMARK, NOT Holland. I agree 100% with the rest of your statement. :)
I'm young enough to be her great-grandson, and I wouldnt've been old enough to remember her when she died in 1973. Fool that I am though, even in B&W film 47 years later, a fool like me can plainly see Sister Rosetta's passion & sincerity; her _authenticity..._
You just can't fake that. She had the purist heart & I dare say that outside the Black communities & churches that held her in well-deserved high esteem, and who desperately needed the inspiration & restrengthening she so generously gave them, the world outside was unworthy of her (Hebrews 11:32--40)
*@Angela Cooper* No "Tears of Joy" emoji in my phone pallette. Best I can do: :')' ' ' Youre welcome, m'lady. That's just the lift I needed 💚💜💙 ;)
*@Angela Cooper* Hi Angela! Getting yourself & your two kids in sync, no problem. But the family dog too?! If ever theres a competition for best cover photo on UA-cam, then yours has to be the very best one. Just looking at it does wonders- - Im actually printing & hanging it on the wall
Anyway, I just wrote an article on Rosetta Tharpe, to be sent to penpals that I have on UA-cam, like yourself. Since you read the Bible, I thought you might enjoy it. God Bless You & your beautiful family, m'lady! 💜💙💛...
An authentic Soul Woman to precede Aretha Franklin, Fontella Bass, & even our late Etta James... What an indomitable spirit! What an eternal celestial example of the very best humanity. And she gave every drop of what she had in her to restengthen Black people...
and give them the hope they so desperately needed, at a critical time when they were severely oppressed in America, & needed it the very most
And I know all about her reputation- - three marriages & allegations of enshadowed lesbianism. But tell me, what human being accomplishes so much good in their life without sin? (Ecclesiasties 7:19-- 20; Mark 2:17) Look at anyone else who had to rise from out of the ghetto- - especially Black Harlem during those years- - uncorrupted & unscathed by that gritty ugly world & still clinging to life? Who?! At least the Black churches & the Black Community cherished her. But the world outside proved unworthy of her (Hebrews 11:32--38)
Jack Johnson, Scott Joplin, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sam Cooke, Ben E. King, & Marvin Gaye are just a handful of people who rose from the very worst of that dark battleground. They werent snow white angels, either. (Matthew 10:32--39) But theyve accomplished so much good in the lives of others & made the world a better place for millions through their music
Rosetta never got the historic recognition, nor the professional recognition she deserved during her lifetime. And you can call this gushing, deifying, putting her on a pedestal or whatever you like. We all owe her a debt that can never be repaid for the everlasting impact shes made in the world, across the generations, & for each & every one of us (Matthew 10:39--42; Romans 6:7 & 23)
"Look! I am creating a new heavens & a new earth; and the former things will not be called to mind, neither will they come up into the heart... Look! I am making all things new" ~Isaiah 65:17 & 21--25; Revelation 21:1--8; 22:16, 17 & 20
God Bless them all 😇
I love her Friend who kept her grounded. I love that they refer to eachother as Sister. Friends can be so much more special than your own blood family.
Rosetta was the Queen of Rock and Roll.
The real Soul Sister of Rock and Roll! Rest in Peace dear lady!
YOU kidding?! She's rocking all over God's heaven...
All four videos were great!
Raquel Rene' you are so right! She knew what it was all about!
her last performance is so powerful. I can't imagine the power in that room
31 years old and id never heard of her until today! absolute legend, why hasnt their been a movie made about her, in the style of walk the line would be awesome
me to
because white amerikkka do not want to see a talented, intelligent Black Woman on tv. they want to see maids, prostitutes, drug addicts, etc
This is white America. They know blacks are the real Jews and Gods!
55 y.o.and just today I meet Her beautiful soul and Her amazing soul
Yes, history does a good job at forgetting black legends
Omg😍😍😍! The older I get the more I appreciate my people, Our talent is unmatched, what we endured😢😢only God knows. You go girl!!! Beautiful Black Queen 👑👑👑🙌🙌💪💪👌
I am an atheist myself, but man,
I would never ever dare to question or doubt on that beautiful woman's faith and trust in her god. I dearly respect that and I hope her lord really heard her out that day, and answered her prayers. May you rest in peace Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
With loves and joy,
Her legacy was imitated and stolen. She should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!!!! Movie as well.
She is. 2018.
She is, as of 2018
I had never heard of her before this video. Thanks for posting this 4 part series.
Sister Rosetta, what a gift God gave us through you. Your voice continues to bring the Holy Spirit to us. Thank you, dear.
So thankful this documentary exists. She's so great that it just overwhelms.
Congratulations Sister Rosetta Tharpe-2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
Well alright!!! So happy to hear that. Now they need to name her The Queen of Rock and Roll. I enjoyed this doc so much. What a talent!!
Amen to that long overdue.
She paved the way like so many other blacks did
Thank God she made it
Well, I didn't watch the 2018 awards ceremony for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. And call me something of a troll against the R&RHoF, but I doubt those fickle bast**** supressed their arrogance for what few minutes were needed to say the words:
"Tonight we are here to honor our venerable Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Without her & her body of work, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame wouldn't exist. And many major artists, including Elvis Presley, would've never realized the level of success that they have, had it not been for her"
An amazing life. So happy her story is finally being told!
That's right. No cRap. No industrial hip-hop noise. Real music. Culture, folks. This is the real deal. Embrace it and be proud of her.
What i loved about this great film she grew up in the church like so many black artist but,she was so blessed, with talent only few people have, she's was a Gospel, Blues & Rock &Roll Angel.God Bless you RIP
She and her mother, Katie Bell, made an amazing record together;
"Ninety nine & a half won't do."
AMEN and GOD BLESS YOU SISTER........you went to early...and lived way too hard ....! ..Rock and Roll and all music owes you tons of love and appreciation .......
Here in the U.K. we are lucky to get regular music films on the BBC. It needs to be shared. Unfortunately there are huge commercial interests that are campaigning to dismantle the BBC and hand over all broadcasting and news programming to commercial interests.
We must alway fight for the BBC that we have, it's the greatest Broadcaster in the world. Because commercial interest are not it's main concern therefore we the public benefit immensely from it, with stunning and amazing programs and documentaries as we've just seen.
*@corporal henshaw* In that case more Americans & Europeans need to learn of the BBC's plight, so we can all have a hand in helping out. Our domestic programming through PBS would be IMPOVERISHED without the contributions BBC makes with Britcoms, historic documentaries & nature documentaries every year
Thank You for speaking up! ! Theres no way we couldve known that commercial powers are attempting to overtake the BBC 😠
BBC? That's a fact.
They've become BFN: British Fake News today, a disaster catering for CORPORATIONS and vested interests. BBC won the war with Churchill! It was Gospel truth before Thatcher.
If that happens, there will be a remarkable decrease in these wonderful discoveries, such as Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Most of the fake news about the BBC comes out of the Fox News crowd in Amerikkka.
She invented the Rock n Roll sounds....
I just finished watching all four videos. Thank you soo much for posting. What a blessing she was. 💕
That performance on the Train platform for me is Television Gold, but saying that everything she did was superb. R I P Sister Rosetta Tharpe. A musical Icon trend setter.
Wonderful voice...incredible guitarist...astonishing lady. RIP
One very talented and beautiful woman. Very influential and should be recognized as one of the earliest progenitors of riff guitar paving a path for many artists men and women from Aretha to Chuck Berry and beyond into the future... her influence will never end. Crossing over from gospel and secular music and back again. It may not have been rock but combining big band swing-jazz and boogie it lead the way!
John Brown not rock? they copied her style to a T.
She was beautiful inside and out!
How is it that I am 62 and never heard of Sister Rosetta Tharpe? I have been listening to folk music ever since I can remember, the blues since I was 16, worked 3+ years in a great record store with coworkers who could really play the blues and rock too, and spent waaayy too many hours exploring and discovering musicians on youtube like Dorothy Donegan. And yet, I find only out about Sister Rosetta now? Who was surely well known to Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy and ...?
Many thanks to you @corporalhenshaw and the BBC too!
*@RCA88* You can thank Lucky Millinder, Rosetta's first employer, every theatre owner, every theatre manager, & every music producer that followed. Among their handful of other regulars, to these men she was just another performer for them to exploit. Plus this was the Era of American Apartheid; the days of Jim Crow. But still, any one of these people who benefited from her hard work & her talent couldve at least stood up for her & paid her proper tribute. And that includes Elvis. ...And this was only during her living years
But even by the 1960s there was plenty enough there for music scholars & historians to recognize. They'd have to have been DEAD not to have noticed & to have known about Rosetta. And look how readily a BBC producer was able to pull relatively recent history of hers from film & music archives; period memorabilia of her; testimony of firsthand witnesses of her, still among the Living. Good gosh, she was right there with Cab Callaway. She wouldve known Duke Ellington for sure, possibly even Count Basie or Ella Fitzgerald. The Apollo Theatre? The Savoy? RKO Theatre in NYC?!?! What major people of big band & of jazz of the time did she NOT cross paths with?! Like any performer she wouldve been on the road, working the theatre-&-nightclub routes of Cincinatti, of Cleveland, Chicago, & NYC. So, same people, all in the very same places
Society has failed Rosetta in so many ways. While still among the Living, the least she deserved was proper recognition from the Public & from the music industry for being such an influential part of Jazz & Blues history. But music scholars & historians continued to leave her stricken from the record for another 38 years after her death, until this BBC documentary was first televised, & generations now living could finally learn of her
Rosetta was a Gospel singer. In her very early career she sang two secular songs as the vocalist for Lucky Milander's orchestra. She never allowed them to be put on any future album because she didn't want to be thought of as a secular singer. She called herself an evangelist. She used to say "I don't play no blues, I don't sing no blues. I only sing for Jesus." So here in the States she was viewed as a Gospel act and only Gospel fans knew her. In Europe they kind of viewed Gospel as roots music and not spiritual. So she is thought of as a blues singer.
@@magnificentmuttley154 Anthony Heilbut's book The Gospel Sound prominently features her, it is 50 this year, Gayle Wald wrote a full biography about her, there are thousands of Newspaper clippings about her. Her music has never been out of print since 1938. She is mentioned in every encyclopedia type book on Gospel . She was not a rock, r&b or blues singer and would be devastated to know that is her legacy. She worked hard to keep from being labeled a blues singer. She was a Gospel singer and Gospel fans know her. You took a swipe at Elvis but he was someone who sang her songs and praised her talent.
@@RgTripleC Thanks to this BBC documentary one can see Rosetta was well advertised through the newspapers. I would have to do archival research to prove this, but its a strong possibility she was musical guest on a number of radio shows. So it's clear she was well known in the music world. And she had to have crossed paths with everyone from Duke Ellington, to Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, & Count Basie. Possibly even Benny Goodman or any members of Glenn Miller's orchestra & their associated singers
Just like you say, I understood Rosetta to look at her performances as her "ministry." So you are absolutely right Sir, & Thank You. I humbly accept your correction. Being that Rosetta wanted to stay strictly within the church/ gospel world, this explains why she received little recognition from the recording industry & from music historians. (for example: professionally recognized by RIAA; Grammy Awards; R&R Hall of Fame) She wanted it that way! And in that case Elvis didn't deserve my criticizing him for not paying her tribute
Jim Crow Era or not, Rosetta being Black or not, & knowing how exploitive music producers & recording execs were (& still are) it looked to me this was the reason public knowledge of Rosetta was supressed. But again, I was wrong. My knowledge of 20th Century music history will always be in need of improvement
And Thank You for telling me about Gayle Wald's book, & about Anthony Heilbut's. I will gratefully find copies of these & study them ;D
Is much as youtube is asshole, the music content on here is amazing. I thought it was weird at 55 to hear for the first time Porcupine Tree with Steve Wilson who had broken up a dozen years ago. Oddly they are back and on tour, but so much amazing music I had missed for a dozen years. Now with seeing Rosetta. I feel blessed to have witnessed this 4 part series. Kanya, Kyrie, or some non woke motherfucker needs to make a movie for Rosetta. The world needs it.
Wonderful and amazing story. What a blessing Rosetta was.
The best biography of Sister Rosetta Tharpe on You Tube.....
THANKS for making this fabulous Doco film available here!
Sydney, Australia
Aug 2015
Rosetta was a Gift from above. She paved the way tearing down all barriers. Love and emotion flowed from there. Her Powerful Guitar talent was like the Trumpet from on high waking up the slumbering thirsty soul. Truly the God Mother of Gospel/Blues/R&B and Rock Solo Guitar🇺🇸 RIP Sister.
What a liveable, talented lady! My word! Her charisma and charm is captivating. She wields that guitar with such skill and alacrity. Just amazing! And deserve more recognition.
What a legend. Well done BBC for making this doc. Why have I not heard of this lady before. Glad I watched all the episodes.
Thank you for posting the documentary up, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I knew the name but I never realised that until rock and roll hit she was such a big star in America, its great that there are documentaries like this to put the record straight.
So right brother!.....
who here can see Queen Latifa play her in a movie?
2degucitas That is a brilliant idea...
+2degucitas Amen!!!
2degucitas keke palmer as the young version, vanessa hudson as the mid 20's version then queen latifa last.
That would keep 3 talented ladies very busy
2degucitas yes I see it!!
Just amazing. Some perormers transcend genre, fads, movements, and the years of time. Sister wears this distinction honorably.
Wow. What a woman. She deserves all the credit we can give her for her amazing life. She had a cool way of playing the guitar and her timing was impeccable. She put her soul into the music and that's the only way to do it. Not many people in rock & roll know about her. Gospel did contribute to rock but so did country and the blues and R&B. People all put their own spin on it and that's why we have such a diversity in the rock sounds.
This whole documentary was great!! Thanks for posting it. She was an amazing woman
I'd never even heard about Rosetta Tharpe before I saw this documentary... Thanks for posting this vid. She deserves a lot of recognition.. I'm not a religious person myself, but I love what she did with gospel, and the cross-over to the roots of rock 'n roll; that lady with her spirit, her electric guitar.... What a woman.
Men ain’t supposed to cry if they don’t they never heard SISTER ROSETTA THARPE
Her last song " Precious Lord Take My Hand "- unless you're a stone, you'd be moved to tears.
Icon, star, musical visionary, she's right up there with anyone as far as I'm concerned. Thanks for all your great posts!
I was directed to look into Sister Rosetta Tharpe's life and music many years ago by Bob Dylan. My life has been greatly enriched!
Thank You, Sister Rosetta, and thank you Robert Zimmerman!
Thank you BBC and this uploader for giving us this story of her life. She was a beautiful soul and I know she is before the throne now singing with the angels.
Sis Rosetta is home now and surrounded with love.
Thanks for sharing, TOTALLY inspired by this great talent!
PHENOMENAL GIFTED TALENTED INNOVATOR.. ORIGINAL ROCK AND ROLLER.. Now why were we never told about this great woman? Why are there no recorded visuals of her performing during the 40s and many of rhe youths who love rock and roll, never heard of her..? Once again, history has been betrayed, and left without relevance by such omission of paramount personalities and events. A Terrible loss to the world, by this lack of reverence, so amply deserved. We could go on and on with the likes of the many deliberately ignored pioneers in Nearly every area of artistry, and much more... who We do not have the luxury of learning about, which is deeply hurtful. Imagine African children in America, fueled by the proper education of such people as Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Then add the great inventors, scientists, Doctors, explorers, etc. Who look like them, and were never introduced in school, for them to have prideful connections to their great influence in the development of the country, from all angles. Then wonder, why children do not feel invested in heir public school curriculums, which do mot include their participation.. as though their ancestors did not usher in so very much of the marvels we admire. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to discover this great lady. Thank you.
Shes definitely a big influence on rock n roll she seemed to be a really sweet woman and her faithfulness was unwavered
The true Mother of Rock and Roll and her eclectic style of fusing Gospel Music with Rock and Roll; Gospel Rock as I call it plus that phenomenal voice is beyond ethereal. Her version of the gospel classic "Precious Memories" is my all time favorite. No one and I mean no one can sing that song like Sister Rosetta Tharpe!! Continue to RIP Queen Mother of Gospel Rock!!
That was beautiful. It’s a shame that I never heard of her until now. She was a revolutionary. Woman, black, and queer? I’m simply amazed
WOW...what a documentary by the BBC! Sister Tharpe should have been in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's inaugural 1986 class-not still excluded as of 2014. When my parents went through my late paternal grandmother's effects after her passing in 1973, the only religious records among the collection of over 1300 Blues, Jazz, Pop, R&B and R&R discs were from...Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Enough said-and I'm not selling one record!
Don't you dare, and don't let anyone con you out of them!!
Yeah! 'Nuff said!
King Bee wow you're blessed those worth a lot of money today that's rare I have some from my grandma and grandpa
Were is the black history
She in heaven
I’ve only come across Sister Rosetta Thorpe recently, through UA-cam. Just watching the first video, and I was hooked. I grew up in the 60s, so the sound was familiar. But, boy, that guitar playing was something else. For sure, she is the godmother of Rock ‘n Roll!
Great to have Sister Rosetta's phenomenal artistry spread far and wide. Thanks for posting.
What a legendary musician. I’m spreading her good word from now on.
I just found her, she is so beautiful and sings from the heart. Oh that angelic voice. God bless her soul.
How come I haven't heard of this woman before? I am completely blown away of what I have seen in this video series, and left without words to express how impressed I am by her. She personifies the the thread from gospel/African American music into rock & roll. Her story makes it so obvious the connection to todays music and American Culture in general. I have been enlightened, thank you. God Bless Her!
WOW! She just celebrated her 107th birthday in Heaven. Love this documentary. I only wish I'd seen it years ago!
Oh my goodness I can’t believe I have only just found this Legend👏😘😘
thank you for posting--just an incredible woman whose beautiful, strong spirit shone through all she did.
Precious Lord, what an amazing finale.
You are so right, I have seen dozens of documentaries covering every topic under the sun which would never see the light of day in the US, unless PBS shows it to their three dozen viewers. For all the criticism the BBC gets, it is still the best state broadcaster in the world and people bitching about the licence fee should be careful what they wish for. Canada also has the excellent CBC which does a great job and all anybody moans about is that 'their' taxes are used to pay for it..
I could not agree more!
*@Steve Veasey* As a child of the 70s & a teenager of the 80s I would've been a much much poorer person had it not been for PBS and its rich inclusion of CBC & BBC programs...
For what relatively little cost it is to our national budget, paying those syndication fees to the CBC & BBC organizations is but a small investment in our education. An investment that pays immeasurable dividends in terms of opening people's minds & hearts to the sciences, to the ecology, & to preservation & protection of our flora, fauna, & natural resources. Truly the gift that keeps right on giving
PBS, with it's international cooperatives, has been an integral, & I assert an ESSENTIAL part of American education for 60 years now. It is television at it's noblest best; a public service. It has brought us one-of-a-kind programming from the world over, not just from the CBC & the BBC. So it has also given back to its viewers immeasurably concerning understanding & open-mindedness to foreign culture; to the lives & religions of countries around the world; dispelling myths, misinformation, & prejudices & building on interracial & international peace
So paying for PBS & in turn it's international syndication fees to CBC & BBC is just one more way that our tax dollars pay for our education. To the critics of using tax dollars to support PBS, all I have to say is this: *"If you think **_education_** is expensive, try **_ignorance!"_** ~Author unknown*
PBS has lots of viewers there publicly funded with out the viewers they wouldn't exist.
Declared on my birthday, Sister Rosetta Tharp day! Wow! This woman was/is a true treasure and pioneer!
WOW!!! What a great talented woman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Excellent bio! Thanks for sharing Corporal.
they should def do a movie in total respect of this women and queen latifah should play her
How about Marcella Caen ? (Excuse misspelling), Tyhe sister who will be featured in the new Black Panther. I feel she should have played Nina Simone... She could totally pull this off too
.
Here I am with tears in my eyes for becoming curious after hearing "didn't it rain".
Tears or no tears, I am so glad I learned about such an absolute legend. I ain't even religious, but dearest Sister, you are loved, and you are remembered, as you should be, forever and always.
I love that song didn't it rain! 🙏
What a beautiful soul and grand lady.God bless her soul.I am sure she is having fun in heaven
Its! 2018, January Congratulations! For been Inducted in The Rock n Roll! Hall of Fame! Gifted , & Legend Rosetta Tharpe , good Music , way before the late* Mahalia jackson,
Amazing story 01-04...thank you! She is truly a gift to generations.
Thank you sooo much for sharing this soooo important story.... I'll definitely share her story often.... I love her sound and music......
superb documentary. Part 4 ends rather abruptly - I would like to see the credits, well-deserved.
This lady had a great life despite the obstacles she had to endure most people can't even dream of the wonderful life she had.
What kind of person would hit the thumbs down for this documentary? This is an important part of American history, music history, and humanity at large.
Legend!!!
Wow, this 4th part brings it all home. I can see all the influence she brought from BB to Joplin, Beatles to Zep, and everyone in between. She is the creator of Rock as far as I can see.
Great 4 part docu. Thank you for sharing! An inspiring lady!
Tank you very much for the transmission, incredible women , Rosetta a su dépassé les troubles de l'époque et partager sa musique avec la jeunesse qui à l'époque en n'avait assez d'être coincé par la division de la ségrégation en Amérique, de même pour le cinéma " devine qui vient dîner ce soir " dans la chaleur de la nuit " , merci pour se très beau reportage tank you very much
Beautiful Lady!
Thank you so much for sharing this she was a wonderful performer
Amazing video , wow what a blessed full of gift and talent person , wow the Rock'n'Roll was created by a woman who rocked her Gibson Les Paul triple humbuckers ( these first ones was called Les Paul not SG )
Thank you for uploading
R.I.P Rockstar Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Thank you corporalhenshaw
for this great documentary.
I've heard her music over the years but never knew her life story.
Thank You Sister Rosetta Tharpe...
A beautiful history of spirituality, music and, in the end, faith.
Really well done documentary. They talked to the right people, got the real story, filled in some details I didn't know... Great!
Love this woman !!!! Can not undesrtand músic with out Sister Rosetta Tharpe
What an education.....watch all 4 videos
Just began to appreciate Sister Rosetta Tharpe because of Rihanna Giddens. Appreciate that BBC was willing to honor her way of being.
Heart warming ... What a powerful talent! The one and only woman to actually deserve to be called a Diva!
❤❤how great she was had to leave her country to be ❤ by Young W. People really ❤ sad she couldn’t get a meal at the front door of restaurant in her own country had to go to the back and yet she so so strong ❤ you sisterRosetta
Thank you - What an amazing documentary series! I've only just discovered Rosetta tonight! 🎶 What a superb talent and gift from God 😇🙏 She brought gospel music out of the church 🛐 and to the people 😊🤗🎶 Definitely the Queen of Rock n Roll!!! 👗👠👑👏🎉
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, is the epitome of triple/quadruple threat. Talent/gifts oozed outta this woman, and SHE NEEDS TO BE PROPERLY ACKNOWLEDGED IN THE ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME NOW! RIGHT NOW.😐RIGHT NOW.🙌🏾✊🏾💪🏾🙏🏽💚😌
Timeless!! 🎤 🎸 🎶 🪄 ✨🫶
Gratitude to the one and only Sister Rosetta Tharpe a Legand in her own right!!
I AM L🫶VE! #TOGM