Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Sister Rosetta Tharpe (born March 20, 1921 in Cotton Plant, Arkansas) was a gospel singer and electric guitarist who helped secularize gospel music and added blues and swing influences. She began performing with her mother, known as Mother Bell, and learned to play the guitar by age six. She began a mainstream solo career in 1938, becoming an instant star with songs like "This Train" and "Rock Me". She has numerous recordings to her name.