In this episode we give props and respect to Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a groundbreaking musician and Jesus follower who merged gospel and rock music. In a time when the deck was stacked against her, Sister Rosetta Tharpe stood tall and delivered gospel performances that could turn a skeptic into a believer. Her profound legacy was finally acknowledged with a 2018 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Sister Rosetta’s role as an architect of rock guitar and the true pioneer of gospel rock is unassailable. Bearing witness is producer/songwriter Tommy Sims (Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton) offering his take on Tharpe’s influence. And if that’s not enough, we’re taking a musical pilgrimage to a Nashville recording studio. Here, we’ll meet session guitarist Jerry McPherson, who will break the code on Sister Rosetta’s iconic guitar sound. Tune in, turn up, and let’s get schooled in the art of gospel rock by the source, Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
“Music and Meaning” is a production of Christianity Today:
Executive Produced by Erik Petrik and Matt Stevens
Produced and Written by Charlie Peacock and Mike Cosper
Associate Produced by Raed Gilliam
Original Music and Editing by David LaChance and Charlie Peacock
Mix Engineer: Mark Owens
Show theme, “Sound of the Room,” composed by Charlie Peacock, featuring bassist John Patitucci
Special guests: Tommy Sims and Jerry McPherson
All featured music by Sister Rosetta Tharpe (“Up Above My Head,” “Jesus Is Everywhere,””Rock Me,” “I’m Gonna Wait Until My Change Come” and “Didn’t It Rain”), except the following:
“Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus” by Larry Norman
“Cinco Robles” by Dorothy Wright & Larry Sullivan, performed by Les Paul & Mary Ford
“Down In The Lowlands” by Charlie Peacock, performed by Russ Taff
“Simple House” by Margaret Becker & Charlie Peacock, performed by Margaret Becker
“Experience” by Charlie Peacock
“Hands & Feet” by Mark Stuart, Bob Herdman, Will McGinniss, Tyler Burkum & Charlie Peacock, performed by Audio Adrenaline
“In the Light” by Charlie Peacock, performed by DC Talk
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