The Life of an Uncommon Blues Traveler

Soundcheck | May 3, 2010
She inspired Elvis Presley and Keith Richards with her rock 'n' roll charisma, but Sister Rosetta Tharpe's music was gospel. Today, we look at the genre-defying pioneer with Gayle Wald, author of Shout Sister Shout! The Untold Story of Rock-and-Roll Trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe. We also hear about Tharpe's modern-day legacy with the leader singer of the UK indie rock band the Noisettes, whose latest album features the song "Sister Rosetta (Capture The Spirit)." Finally: Indie folk trio Great Lake Swimmers performs live.

  1. |

  2. |

  3. |

Be alert for scams. WNYC never asks for nor accepts money for coverage or interviews. Anyone making such a request does not represent WNYC.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

Your guide to voting in New York's 2026 elections for governor and Congress

A primer on the races for governor, attorney general and the congressional districts that could help determine control of the U.S. House.
Gothamist |

Gina Hinojosa Aims to Make Texas Blue Again. Plus, Reading Is Alive and Well

A Texas Democrat is running neck and neck with the Republican incumbent in the governor’s race. And a staff writer says that news of the demise of books is greatly exaggerated.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

Claire Valdez on populism and the DSA agenda in Congress

Who’s Running This Place |

The Classroom/Technology Pipeline

Natasha Singer's new book explores how big tech became ensconced in our childrens' classrooms
On the Media |
YOU ARE ONLINE