Sister Rosetta Tharpe was an American gospel singer and electronic guitarist. She is widely recognized by her iconic style of spiritual lyrical prowess alongside her stark contrast sounding electric guitar. She was among the first popular recording artists to use heavy distortion on her electric guitar.
Tharpe became a hit in the 1930s and the 1940s with her particular and unique sounding approach to gospel. As a result, she appealed to rhythm and blues & rock and roll audiences and become synonymously known as "the Godmother of rock and roll".
Tharpe's distinctive genre influenced many early rock-and-roll musicians including Little Richard, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. Her guitar-playing technique had a profound influence on the development of British blues in the 1960s.