Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Sister Rosetta Tharpe was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who played a key role in the development of gospel music and early rock and roll. Born in 1915 in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, Tharpe began performing as a child with her mother in a traveling gospel group.

Tharpe’s music blended elements of gospel, blues, and early rock and roll, and her performances were known for their energy and showmanship. She was one of the first gospel musicians to use an electric guitar in her performances, and her style helped to influence the development of rock and roll in the 1950s.

In recognition of her contributions to American music, the United States Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp honoring Tharpe in 1998. The stamp features a portrait of Tharpe with her guitar, as well as the text “Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Gospel Singer.” The stamp serves as a tribute to Tharpe’s legacy as a pioneering musician and a key figure in the development of American music.