Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Holy Rollers: American Pentecostalism’s Musical Offspring

Holy Rollers: American Pentecostalism’s Musical Offspring

First-born Holy Rollers of American Pentecostalism include rebels Sister Rosetta Tharpe, B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and Ray Charles.

Yola Is Bringing Americana to the Dance Floor

Yola Is Bringing Americana to the Dance Floor

Unafraid of fitting into any one set genre, Yola has carved out a distinct lane for herself that has few other imitators.

Rhiannon Giddens: Tomorrow Is My Turn

Rhiannon Giddens: Tomorrow Is My Turn

Everything works on Tomorrow Is My Turn, an album that heralds the arrival of a major American artist.

Holy Rollers, Rock ‘n’ Rollers, and the Birth of Rock Music

Rocking Chair Blues: Howlin’ Wolf – “Little Baby”

Sister Rosetta Tharpe got rock rolling long before Elvis