Sister Rosetta Tharpe

American gospel/rock & roll pioneer from Cotton Plant, Arkansas (1915-1973). 'The Godmother of Rock and Roll.' 'Strange Things Happening Every Day' (1945), 'Up Above My Head,' 'Down by the Riverside.' Electric guitar virtuoso who played gospel with swing and distortion decades before rock existed. Influenced Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Elvis, Johnny Cash. Rock Hall 2018.