Between the 20s and 30s, there was the popularization of jazz, blues and several other groups also using gospel references. And, around the 40s, the first recordings of what would become rock’n’roll appeared. At that time, the woman who served as inspiration for Chuck Berry, Arthur Crudup and Fats Domino, was rehearsing her solos in Chicago churches: Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Born in Arkansas in 1915, the incredible vocalist, guitarist and songwriter innovated by mixing gospel music with blues since the late 1930s. She released her first album, “Gospel Songs" in 1945. Elvis Presley was 12 years old and had crooked teeth, likely.

Sister Rosetta was forgotten because it was difficult for the society to accept a woman as the exponent of the new rhythm. Even more as a divorced woman, whose relationships fed judgemental rumors full of prejudice, and, who was the leader of a band of white musicians. In 2007, in the book “Shout, Sister, Shout”, written by Gayle Wald, the world learned her true story.

Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards and Robert Plant were some of her famous fans. Plant even recorded “Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us” with Alison Krauss on the album “Rising Sand”.

She fought against prejudice and managed to bring to the world something different from everything that was being done in terms of music. The song “Strange Things Happening Every Day”, released in 1944, is considered the first rock’n’roll song in history.

She passed away in 1973, at the age of 58, from a stroke. But her legacy is eternal. She broke musical and social boundaries, so everyone could enjoy the sound of freedom. In 2018, her name was included in the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”. She was once asked what she thought of rock’n’roll: “It’s just faster rhythm’n’blues. I’ve been doing this since ever!" Fortunately!