Who invented rock and roll in America has always been debated, but the only female musician named as a contender is Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Although much more attention is given to Chuck Barry and Elvis Pressley, Tharpe recorded “Strange Things Happen Every Day” in 1944, years before either released their first record.
Tharpe was a trailblazer in more ways then one. Not only did she blend spiritual and secular themes of love and sexuality, a jaw dropping shock to the gospel community, her distorted guitar style and public relationship with another female musician, Marie Knight, were almost unheard of at the time.
