Sister Rosetta Tharpe was the first great recording star of gospel music and among the first gospel musicians to appeal to rhythm-and-blues and rock-and-roll audiences, later being referred to as “the original soul sister” and “the godmother of rock and roll”.
This live recording from 1960 had never been on vinyl until now, 57 years later. The set has plenty of variety, lots of sincere feeling, and high levels of musicianship from the unique performer. Highlights include “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands,” “Didn’t It Rain,” “The Gospel Train” and “Down By the Riverside.”
“Sister Rosetta Tharpe is an important artist for anyone interested in gospel music, rhythm and blues, jazz and particularly for those interested in tracing the roots of rock and roll. She was among the first gospel artists to perform in secular clubs, and she helped bring gospel music into the mainstream when she signed to Decca in 1938,” said Org Music’s Andrew Rossiter in a recent interview with Vinyl Me, Please. “The recording captures Sister Rosetta in an intimate setting, playing a solo set with just her voice, electric guitar and the occasional stomp of the foot to keep rhythm. Hearing the audience clap along and interact with Tharpe throughout the performance makes it very easy to imagine yourself there in the crowd.”
The album was remastered for vinyl from analog tape and pressed at Pallas Group in Germany.
Track Listing:
A1 Can’t Sit Down 1:50
A2 He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands 1:54
A3 Vacation in the Sky 5:26
A4 Didn’t It Rain 2:17
A5 Can’t No Grave Hold My Body Down 3:19
A6 Two Little Fishes, Five Loaves of Bread 5:03
A7 The Gospel Train 5:09
B1 Precious Lord 4:28
B2 Down by the Riverside 3:10
B3 Mansion in the Sky 4:58
B4 Is Everybody Happy? 3:26
B5 Peace in the Valley 5:31
Purchase a limited edition red marbled vinyl record: https://app.vinylmeplease.com/products/store-exclusives/sister-rosetta-tharpe-live-in-1960-red-marbled-vinyl-ltd-to-1-000
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