Shout, Sister, Shout! Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Born Rosetta Nubin in 1915, Sister Rosetta Tharpe is an artist that rarely comes up in debates about the true founding father of rock ‘n’ roll. She fronted her own band, she was one of the first artists of note to play the iconic ‘61 Les Paul SG Custom electric guitar, she was a headlining, black female artist who toured through the segregated Jim Crow South, and she has been largely overlooked as a seminal figure in the creation of rock music.
As it turns out, the founding father of rock ‘n’ roll wasn’t a father at all - that distinction belongs to Sister Rosetta. A gospel-trained force of nature that broke barriers, stereotypes, and norms with astonishing regularity, her electrifying music predates the work of like-minded guitar legends including Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Elvis. Sister Rosetta Tharpe unequivocally remains the textbook definition of an iconoclast - The Godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Gibson’s educational tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe, featuring Celisse and Amythyst Kiah, takes viewers on a journey of Sister Rosetta’s monumental impact on music.
For more on Celisse and Amythyst Kiah check out their websites:
www.celisse.com
www.amythystkiah.com/
#gibson #sisterrosettatharpe #1961lespaulsg
Creative Director of Campaign:
Celisse @CelisseMusic
Special Thanks to Gayle Wald, author of Shout, Sister, Shout!: The Untold Story of Rock-and-Roll Trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe
For more information on her book, visit: shoutsistershout.net
GETTY IMAGE CREDITS
Bettmann | Bettmann
David Redfern | Redferns
Images Press | Archive Photos
Bill Tompkins | Michael Ochs Archives
Jim Steinfeldt | Micheal Ochs Archives
Afro Newspaper/Gado | Archive Photos
Central Press | Hulton Archive
Chris Ware | Hulton Archive
Charles Peterson | Archive Photos
Edward Miller | Hulton Archives
TV Times | TV Times
Metronome | Archive Photos
Tony Evans/Timelapse Library Ltd | Hulton Archive

[@AmythystKiah]

I am deeply honored to join my friend Celisse in celebrating the life and legacy of Sister Rosetta Tharpe through this special project with Gibson! 🖤✌🏾🎶

[@woopa66]

Thank you for being part of this Amythyst and for the inspiration that you spread.

[@danielhoskins4690]

Both of you looked spectacular and sounded just wonderful together. Thank you for the performance and worthy tribute.

[@gibsonguitar]

A big thank you to you and Celisse for your beautiful rendition of “Didn’t It Rain” and for helping bring Sister Rosetta’s story to life!

[@intersanctum]

Is there a full version of you two majestic ladies playing Didn't It Rain?

[@tumblelake63]

What's also great about this video is discovering YOU and Celisse. I am looking forward to digging into the music. Thank you.

[@jeffthomson1777]

This is one of the best videos Gibson has ever done. Everyone needs to see this

[@celinemartinez7831]

I'm 67 and just found her.😞 But despite her challenges, she exudes the kind of joy and talent that makes her talent extremely relevant today!

[@alistairmcelwee7467]

Funny how we usually focus on Sister Rosetta’s amazing singing/interpretations/musicality, and miss that she was also a stunning guitar player who advanced 20th century music on the electric guitar. Everything about Sister Rosetta was amazing. So wish I could have been there to see/hear her (and to dance to her).

[@richlancaster8336]

she's all about that guitar ;)

[@marions.120]

I’m so glad that Sister Rosetta is being recognized. She was incredible!✌️😎🎸🎶🎵🎶

[@rylieriley]

I'm sure that most musicians (especially guitarists) have probably known about Sister Rosetta Tharpe for a very long time. I would love to see her get the recognition she deserves amongst the general public. She was a musical force of nature for sure.

[@Billkwando]

Saw a picture of her on the Reddit for /Guitar a few times over the past couple years....but never heard her name or her music til a week or so ago, and I've been playing guitar and following guitar history since the late 80's. Trust me, the vast majority of everyone have no idea she existed. Glad that's finally changing.

[@santcano]

Same as guy above me, had NO idea she existed let alone her influence, been playing since I was 10. BUT I definitely agree that this kind of history is precious, and more exposure to will never hurt

[@maniac1075]

Unfortunately, I've only just found about her!

[@Furtheronmusic]

I discovered Sister Rosetta Tharpe on KZbin about 15 years ago originally from the show in Manchester on the train station. I'd tuned to that for muddy waters but Rosetta captivated me. Then I read her biography Shout Sister Shout. What a woman! To me you can't talk about the birth of rock n roll without her being front and centre as one of the most important influences. No debate.

[@lfipb]

The house where the Bee Gees lived before they moved to Australia was just around the corner from this train station

[@FlangernotAnger]

My whole life has been empty. Now I know why. I didn't know who Rosetta Tharpe is. I just found her two days ago. And I started playing guitar almost 40 years ago. If I had passion like she did, maybe my life would be more fun, sweet, warm, and joyful. And I'm not just talking musically. God has blessed everyone with Rosetta! So I ordered some homemade buttons with a picture of Rosetta playing a gold top Gibson Les Paul. Now I can put these on my guitar straps and keep her with me everywhere I go. I love God for sending Rosetta to us. And I love you Rosetta, my sweet sister, for singing and playing your badass guitar for us! Thank you also to Amythyst and Celisse! Hallelujah!

[@SteveArnoldus]

I'm SOOO glad I just watched this and learned something I never knew. Thank you Sister Rosetta Tharpe for EVERYTHING Rock n Roll! ❤

[@WithCarePlz]

I am so humbled and impressed by this woman. This 15 foot tall icon. This strong proud black woman. We are complete opposite people from seperate eras but I am beyond inspired by her. In the future whenever I feel like complaining about something I’m gonna stop and ask myself what Sister Rosetta would do. And I’m gonna get a repro cream colored ‘61 LP SG Custom someday and name it Rosetta ❤️ Ty sister, and R.I.P. to the OG

[@gabrielematta7518]

❤️the mom of rock n' roll She Is loved also here in Italy

[@stevelinbergbaby135]

I think many of us whom played guitar for many years got something from this extremely talented woman - I don't forget✌️

[@brianmckenzie1318]

What an incredible story! I can't even begin to imagine what she had to overcome and endure as a black and female artist. Much RESPECT for her perseverance and a TRUE inspiration for when all the odds are stacked against you! Wonderful to see Amythyst and Celisse carrying that torch into this day and age.

[@chocolategravyandbiscuits8418]

This is so good. We need a Sister Rosetta signature “lp” and more of those two ladies playing outside the train station.

[@maniac1075]

Wow. What a historical story! I never knew about her till just now. This woman deserves far more respect.

[@alfalders3020]

Never seen an SG look and sound so good. What a fantastic combination.

[@sammyhowell5774]

This video has literally brought tears of joy! I'm neither black, nor a woman, nor gay (although this video didn't outright address this issue, the general historical consensus is that she was in fact gay) , but I'm so touched that Gibson has honored the legacy of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Representation matters. Inclusion matters. history and context matters. This bring us all closer together and can serve to inspire those who may be hesitant to pick up an instrument or play a style of music that may be counter to one's own family or upbringing. It's ok to be white and play soul or funk, and it's ok to be black and play country, metal or punk. SRT is literally a cornerstone of the house that is rock and roll and you can hear her influence in the music of her contemporaries such as Chuck Berry and Bo Didley, and those that came a little after like Barbara Lynn. Amythyst and Celisse's performance was also excellent! They are without a doubt are standing upon the shoulders of a giant. Congrats to everyone who contributed to the making of this video. This is an accomplishment to be extremely proud of.

[@mohamedtlass3842]

So you are a them?

[@roseanncampbell3168]

She married a man yet youre saying shes gay? Where's that evidence from. If she stayed single after her husband died that does mean she's gay

[@dlewtweentorla1210]

Nice to see Gibson post this story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. For anyone who doesn't know her, dig in and listen cuz this Lady is one heck of an innovator and player. Because her music was labelled as Gospel there are much more recordings than other players from the 30's playing blues, don't let that fool ya, she is 100% a blues player at heart and thankfully it gave us more to listen and learn from. Also is a heartbreaking story to delve into her biography at a deeper level. Gibson, thanks for this one.

[@TimmysWorldTV]

How fabulous was this Woman 👏👏👏♥️

[@r.b.somers2052]

I stumbled upon one of her LPs at a charity shop last year and can't get enough of her music now. Brilliant!

[@user-fe5ff1mk8t]

I met her once before she passed away. She was spunky, full of life and was persecuted just for speaking her mind according to the Holy Spirit. We love you too, sister. 💕❤ Chrissy Comey, Exupery

[@ned_1963]

Rest In Power Sister Rosetta 🙏

[@charlesevans9204]

😂😂

[@charlesevans9204]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏God given talent

[@johnw4659]

I learned of Sister Rosetta Tharpe through some grainy videos a few years ago. Later I got to see her white SG at the guitar exhibit at The Met in New York. From the little I know about her and the whole lot I've listened to, I can say that none of the accolades presented here are an overstatement. Thanks for a very well done tribute.

[@tumblelake63]

I bought a cassette of Sister Rosetta in the early 90's. She's one of my guitar heroes. All of my music friends know about Sister Rosetta but the general population not so much. It's good see her get more attention.

[@lauraliben4997]

Great video! I remember being blown away by Sister Rosetta Tharp when I got a record of hers in the sixties. It’s great that she’s finally being fully recognized for her brilliance! Laura Liben

[@guillermoortega3637]

The mother of rock and roll!!

[@chevalking]

Never knew about Rosetta Tharpe. Thank you for that wonderful documentary and fantastic playing and singing!

[@Baked-RC-Driver-420]

There is no doubting that’s rock n roll! So why hasn’t this amazing women been given the respect she deserves over all these years?!?!

[@deborahfrost401]

Excellent job! She's been one of my heroes for decades. This is a worthy tribute.

[@Islandsoundzz]

I hope one day we see a reissue of this guitar under the Epiphone banner. Always loved the SG 3 Humbucker config in vintage white.

[@gobblegobble2302]

You can get it in Canada through Long & McQuade right now. Just a slightly different vibrola system. Picked mine up last month. Between 800-900 Canada dollars before tax. I think they may be limited edition.

[@IanNorsworthy]

Thank you for dedicating more content to an important and overlooked figure in music history - its always incredible to learn more. Also as a side note the presentation is awesome!

[@ginoames]

This is a wonderful tribute. Such an amazing story.

[@voyager7]

She was amazing and played and sang so effortlessly!!!

[@edouglaspratt]

Finally! Broader recognition and increasing respect for the talented, charismatic and courageous Sister Rosetta Tharpe! Gibson's tribute is an influential step in the righteous direction. Blues musicians and serious Blues fans have always Sister Rosetta as a Gospel-Rock icon since the 1950s. But outside this small group, Elvis was perceived by the great majority in the USA and UK as the icon, understandably. A white male teenager from Mississippi as the icon makes sense to anyone who grew up with The Dick Clark Show. But Rock grew out of Blues, Jump Blues and Gospel. Rosetta is among the first few to take the big step into Rock. A woman. A Black woman. A Black woman from Arkansas playing the Chitlin Circuit! Well, the Black men, Billy Wright, T-Bone Walker and Chuck Berry, were also taking the big step into Rock. But Blues-Rock and Rock fans are able to see them in the first Rock spotlight, and easily regard them as iconic. Rosetta has not been in their spotlight. Except that she starred in the first "Arena Rock" event. And made a big impression in the UK (the famous train station performance is her introduction to fans of Blues and early Rock in Manchester, England). So spread the word. Sister Rosetta's back in town! -Doug Pratt, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (former Mancunian)

[@danielhoskins4690]

Gibson actually made a really good mini documentary. Well done. I’m expecting an obscenely expensive signature model release in the near future.

[@jonniehenderson4238]

Tears of appreciation! Thank you Gibson!

[@sammyhowell5774]

Same here. Good stuff.

[@jamescheek2196]

What a blessing she will always be, thank you God for letting me listen to her Gospel.

[@TheVideoEnthusiast]

this is all great but give her a series of signatures and merch line like you did those other guys, she deserves it more!

[@DOMSGUITARS6140]

N should b a full feature biopic film about her life

[@WilhelmWilder]

Good to see sister getting the respect she deserves!

[@bathshebasmall3513]

Any woman that play guitar remember we all stand on her shoulders.

[@melumeg7701]

This vidéo is so inspiring, thanks a lot for it and to pay tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe ! What an history you have Gibson ! 😊💥

[@juzzybassgrove4354]

Brilliant … I love this tribute.❤️

[@anthonyc1883]

Great story, wonderful playing. The train station set was beautifully done. Bravo!

[@jerryconnors1703]

anthonyc1883 -- That WASN'T a set. That was an abandoned railroad station in England. The tour she was on was how "kids" like Clapton, Page, and Richards learned about her.

[@andrewingham1559]

The way she plays the white Gibson custom it’s mind blowing, so so cool, so much feeling,so much soul,and as bluesy as it gets..the songs she sang,the way she delivered them, on the 61 SG leap Paul custom, it turned me on to that model…it still puts goose bumps on my arms, it’s so spiritual and groovy, she had it all in ACES……everyone who is interested in spiritual soulful blues should not pass her by….the music never dies only the people who play it…thank god for sister Rosetta tharpe

[@Marcus_C51]

Absolutely--the way I look at it, is as gorgeous as that 61 SG/Les Paul custom is it isn't as beautiful her profoundly incredible talent! "She had it all in ACES"--yes indeed! I happen to just love guitars with 3 humbuckers anyway and Sister Rosetta Tharpe was so good! I had heard of her but never HEARD her, so glad that I was given the link to this fantastic video tribute. Better late than never to really know the legend Godmother of rock n roll!

[@tidepoolbay]

I Grew up In the Suburbs and I knew of her music and always Loved it! God Bless Sister Rosetta Tharpe! A Great Guitar Player!

[@jimmygillard]

This is the kind of content you guys need to be making more of.

[@buddehaole]

I just learned of her last week when looking up the soundtrack for the 2022 Death on the Nile movie.

[@Jake24378]

What a story! What amazing music! I’m a fan of Rosetta now!

[@StabMcShag]

Just heard this woman. Amazing. Just amazing. Ella with a guitar. 🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@UncompressedWAVmusic]

I just found out about Sister Rosetta tonight first time in my 60 years of loving and buying rock and roll music. I proudly acknowledge that she created Rock and Roll. Because as it turns out, the founding father of rock ‘n’ roll wasn’t a father at all - that distinction belongs to Sister Rosetta.

[@cle9146]

Absolute legend! ❤️

[@rjlong89]

Imagine an sg custom with just 2humbuckers in ebony or tv yellow 🥰🥰🥰

[@timsellsted521]

Love this! Old icon. New icons.

[@garyb7950]

Until an hour ago, I didn't know the accomplishments of THIS iconic artist even though I have heard her name several times during my life. WOW!

[@jonnyronnyguy]

This was so amazing. Every time I watch a Gibson video I always learn something new. I would really love one of these guitars one day.

[@duanereising3026]

Rosetta Tharpe is and was one of a kind...for sure!...

[@rebeccaheth7063]

Great tribute to Sister Tharpe. She loved Jesus and spread His Gospel message of freedom. She is The Queen of Rock & Roll. ALL of the women on this are amazing!

[@gregrandallbtsr03]

Wow. Outstanding video. I highly recommend the book, “Shout, Sister, Shout” for more about Sister’s life and times. Truly one of the greatest artists ever.

[@TLBJ24]

SO Proud of Gibson for honoring Sister Rosetta Tharpe!

[@basanova3382]

As a Gibson fanatic I am very proud of this video. Keep up the good work.🎵🎶

[@flyin2low57]

I have heard of Sister Rosetta Thorpe but Never heard her music until now. It’s nice to hear her story and yes, I can hear the the music that influenced generations of Rock Stars. My Mother lived and worked in Washington DC during WW2 and told me stories about the segregated South. I never understood how that made sense. Black people unable to eat at White Restaurants, drink from the same water fountains, had to sit in the rear of the Bus etc. I’m Happy that she has been recognized as theMother of Rock n Roll.

[@josepedrojobim]

By far the best video on the channel so far. Wel done, Mark, Signature model ahead lads? The ultimate bad-ass before bad-ass

[@brittybelle409]

The first I have ever heard of this talented sister, Rosetta Sharpe, is during Queen B's American Music Billboards Awards Show speech. She gave Miss Tharpe a well deserved acknowledgment.

[@jamesconnelly7923]

Wow awesome! I've watched this lady a whole bunch! What are the names of these ladies playing these killer 1961 reissues? They are great and have great taste in guitars. I am digging this.

[@gibsonguitar]

So glad you're digging this piece on Sister Rosetta Tharpe! Celisse and Amythyst Kiah are the ones featured in the video and you can find out more about them here www.celisse.com and here www.amythystkiah.com/.

[@jamesconnelly7923]

@@gibsonguitar Great thank you so much!

[@MrUntapishtim]

This makes me emotional... She was brilliant!

[@kingbadger318]

There's a four volume collection of her music called "The Original Soul Sister" for people who really want to dive deep in her music. She showed us a new way to feel music. A definite innovator and I will tell anyone who will listen.

[@mmediaaudio]

It's about time. Sister Rosetta Tharpe showed us how it's done. I/we knew about her in the 70's in St. Louis, and those who knew, knew she was there before Chuck Berry and others; she was the first.

[@Odin029]

I can't speak for the wider world, but the first time I heard Sister Rosetta I felt the same way I did when I first heard T-Bone Walker, Son House, or Muddy Waters. I listened to that first song over and over again. I hadn't known she even existed, but I didn't have to be told how important she was. I could hear from the first time that I'd found a missing piece in the story of American music.

[@louie49424]

Wow that was great and a great guitar player thank you for sharing

[@alaskaaksala123]

How can you not love that kind of music?

[@cancelwoke9384]

Jimi Hendrix also played a white SG.

[@johnstaf]

Sister Rosetta Tharpe fills me with joy.

[@TMoody]

Don't get much more rock n' roll than Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

[@erinodowd]

This is so, so good! Thank you Gibson for promoting the crap out of Sister Rosetta Tharpe!! She deserves it. I’m glad to see people catching on to her the last few years… and giving her the proper credit she is due!

[@sixfoursoul2538]

Wow! She looks so natural holding that guitar! like she was made for it .

[@benjamindupuis6740]

She clearly was the first rocker with a tremendous amount of personality

[@guitarmaniax]

Sister got her L-5 in 1940, and had a pickup on it by 1941. She had one of the first Les Paul Goldtop models (the one with the bridge where the strings went underneath rather than over the top) in ‘52 or ‘53 (supposedly this became Big Jim Sullivan’s guitar). She was also pictured with a Barney Kessel model at one point. The 3-pickup SG Les Paul is of course iconic. Although she played other makers guitars occasionally, I have to believe that she preferred Gibsons whenever possible!

[@tonyb6395]

This wonderful lady has rock in every inch of her body and soul ❤❤❤❤

[@uwetittmann1423]

Yeah, and i got also a 1961 Gibson SG (Les Paul) guitar! Such a great guitar!

[@Dave-nm3xc]

I first discovered Rosetta Tharpe a few years ago, and was absolutely blown away at how awesome she was!

[@nicolaschandler52]

She’s the Queen of Rock & Roll, Blues & Gospel

[@svtman93]

I have an original 61 Custom, this was super cool to watch!

[@patrickedwards2158]

So proud of her a long-distance cousin on my mother's side of her family

[@patriciasantamaria4509]

Impresionante esta mujer, llegué a sus videos porque leí un artículo en donde Elvis Presley decía que la admiraba y que había sido su inspiración De no creer que no se sabía de esta maravillosa mujer Una pionera en todo! Me encanta lo que hizo, me saco el sombrero!!!! Que lamentable que el humano discriminador, la haya anulado por mujer y de color, aunque creo que ella estaba más allá del bien y del mal, y disfrutaba lo que hacía a pesar de lo que habrá tenido que soportar, una Maestra!!!

[@MichaelASchwarz]

This is so well done. What a great tribute.

[@charlieberealjr]

Amazing!!! Thanks you for this! 👏🏾

[@mattvermillion6062]

Mother Mahalia. Mother Aretha. Sister Rosetta. #legendary

[@jessedecarlo]

Thank you, Gibson, for making this video.

[@korky-7349]

What a Beautiful tribute to such a Amazing musician

[@theoryofthrash]

Stunning documentary, and a great choice of presenter's! Love it, now where's that Gibson Custom Rosetta Tharpe sig?

[@ccjones53]

This is one of my Family members. On my Father's side they were from Cotton Plant Arkansas. I have a stamp from a family member who lived in Milwaukee Wisconsin.

[@theppshowanthonyandbailey6346]

Yonce teaching black history. I had no idea who this amazing woman was.

[@jimbonacum8917]

Obviously a Gibson TV video will focus on Sister's guitar playing. And she was certainly a fantastic guitarist. But don't miss out on her incredible vocals. What a voice!

[@seanmuir9594]

Thank you for this fantastic video. I'm sorry that I never knew of her until my 50's. 4 years ago, I was introduced to her at the Delta Center for Culture and Learning at Delta State University in Cleveland Mississippi. Great place to visit if you love the blues and civil rights history. Sister Tharpe is amazing. I'm a high school history teacher and I've been sharing her with students ever since.

[@rodanone4895]

just received a large print of Sister Rosetta with that Les Paul for our living room. she was criminally under-celebrated, under-recorded... to all unaware. she is indeed an RnR HoF inductee... long long overdue.

[@saltpeter500]

Fantastic content.

[@erivers71]

61 les Paul + Sister Rose = rock n roll magic!

[@tbone25]

What a wonderful piece! Would love to see a longer documentary on Sister Rosetta Tharpe. I also like her strap on the headstock! Clever method to counteract the neck dive on the SG. I’m going to try that on mine.

[@SAPHYTYRA]

She is the Nijii of America. A beautiful creator, a mover and shaker. She is iconic for everything that a Copper Colored American woman represents. So much love, respect and salutations for this American Queen ❤❤🤍🤍💙💙💜💜❤❤

[@danejohnson8430]

It’s legendary woman inspires others through gospel with guitar. What a blessing to know who she is.