Did you happen to catch the clip of Sister Rosetta Tharpe on the PBS special on The Blues last month? She stood out in front of a chorus, dressed nicely, but wielding an electric guitar like she meant business! It was great to hear other artists in the TV special speak in awe of Sister Rosetta's ability to get so wild on stage while still obstensibly a gospel act. In fact, she was controversial among the more traditional gospel audiences. And her influence cannot be understated--Johnny Cash, Elvis, Marcia Ball, Maria Muldaur--the list goes on.

Sister Rosetta was born in Arkansas, as a child traveled with her mother on her preaching circuit, started playing guitar when she was 6, moved to Chicago in the 30s, then later to New York City. She died in 1973 in Philadelphia.