Sister Blues

Available for over a year

To mark the sixty-year anniversary of the American’s seminal 1964 performance at a Manchester train station for Granada TV, Joan Armatrading explores the life and music of blues trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe. As an influence to Little Richard, Elvis and Chuck Berry, the legacy of the so-called 'Godmother of Rock and Roll' is far-reaching. Joan talks to surviving members of Sister Rosetta's family, contemporaries of the '64 UK tour, modern-day female singer songwriters from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean as well as devotees from across the music and entertainment world to explore the remarkable impact of her pioneering work. Drawing on archive and unique recordings from Sister Rosetta's back catalogue, Joan brings focus to a foundational figure whose contribution has too often been overlooked. Producer and Writer: Ben Wyatt Sound Editor: Rich Evans Original music composition: Christopher Fletcher A Comuniqé production for BBC Radio 4.