Search - Sister Rosetta Tharpe :: Gospel of Blues

Absolutely enthralling collection of Sister Rosetta Tharpe's

Paul Tognetti | Cranston, RI USA | 05/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Over the past three decades I had come across her name on numerous occasions. Yes, I certainly had heard of Sister Rosetta Tharpe but as far as I know I had never actually heard any of her recordings. My interest in hearing her work peaked recently after reading Gayle Ward's engaging biography of this remarkable lady entitled "Shout, Sister, Shout". After finishing the book I immediately ordered what appeared to me to be the best available collection of her music. In 2003, MCA/Decca released this marvelous single disc collection they call "Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Gospel of the Blues". This disc made me a huge fan in very short order.

"Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Gospel of the Blues" features the cream of the crop of her most productive years at Decca between 1938 and 1947. While Rosetta always considered herself to be first and foremost a gospel singer she nonethless did not hesitate to venture into other genres when the opportunity arose. You can sample some of her earliest gospel offerings on this disc. Memorable songs like "Rock Me", "Sit Down" and her own composition "This Train" were big sellers in the late 1930's. Along about 1941 Rosetta received an offer she simply could not turn down. The popular Lucky Millinder big band offered her an opportunity to be a featured vocalist. Many of her ardent gospel devotees were extremely upset with Rosetta for singing secular music. However, the gig with Lucky Millinder would prove to be highly successful and result in several of her biggest hits. You may sample three of these tunes on this disc including the rollicking "Shout, Sister, Shout", "Trouble In Mind" and the blues classic "I Want A Tall Skinny Papa" from 1942. After a few successful years with the band Sister Rosetta Tharpe decided it was time to return to her roots once again. In the mid 1940's she produced some of her very finest work. Sample Sister's take on traditional tunes like "God Don't Like It", "Didn't It Rain" and "Strange Things Happening Everyday". And if that were not enough enjoy her inspiring duet with Marie Knight "Up Above My Head I Hear Music In The Air". Outstanding!

I cannot say enough about "Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Gospel of the Blues". All I know is that I have become a fan for life. Pick this one up for yourself and you just might discover why a young Elvis Presley used to listen to her recordings all the time. "Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Gospel of the Blues" comes complete with a very informative 16 page booklet. Very nicely done and very highly recommended!"

Shout, Sister, Shout!

Dwayne | Maryland | 11/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You know, I really don't care for Sister Rosetta Tharpe's style of singing, but this CD was AWESOME. I was really shocked. This is a well-put-together compilation of her earliest sides. In my personal opinion, I feel that "The Natural Facts" and "Two Little Fish & Five Loaves of Bread" are the best songs on this CD. And even though Sister Tharpe's recording of "Didn't It Rain" is different from Queen Mahalia Jackson's, it's also a favorite on my list.GREAT CD!!!!!!"

Exellent r&b music, with a Gospel aftertaste

pinball head | 04/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although on the cover of this cd, Sister Rosetta Tharpe looks pecularly like Alberta Hunter, but don't let that fool you. This cd is a great one, if you like early wailin' r&b, or swing tinged Gospel. I mean you can jitterbug or lindy hop to most of thsi stuff, and the rest is greta for listening. Christian music today is so commercial souning and pop sounding, back in the 40's, Tharpe made it swing, jump, stomp and wail, adding r&b, and her genious jazz guitar riffs, rock and roll like mad. Her voice is heavenly and if you like r&b divas liek Helen Humes, you'll love Sister Tharpe's unique and always jiving style. If you thought you didn't liek Gospel music, try this, and it'll change your mind, for Tharpe added r&b(almost rock'n'roll at times), and swing, jazz, and jump blues to her approach. Sometimes singing pop songs, blues, and r&b filled gospel. A exellent cd tah tcover her 1930's to late 40's recordings."