Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Gibson Celebrates the Incomparable, Godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Learn about the collaboration between Gibson Brands and the Sister Rosetta Tharpe estate to continue her legacy through lifestyle accesories.

By GGM Staff

February 25, 2022

SRT Getty Photo 2 — Above: Sister Rosetta Tharpe at Whalley Railway Station-Manchester, England. Credit: Getty.

Gibson, a titan in the world of musical instruments, has forged an exciting partnership with the estate of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the groundbreaking artist often hailed as the mother of rock ‘n’ roll. This collaboration celebrates the legacy of Tharpe, a pioneering force in music, through the launch of a limited-edition lifestyle and accessories collection. The collection honors not only Tharpe’s extraordinary contributions to music but also marks the 61st anniversary of her signature instrument, the iconic 1961 Les Paul SG. This partnership aims to shine a light on Tharpe’s enduring influence and the indelible mark she left on the music industry, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire future generations.

A Trailblazer Before the Rock Era

Before the age of MTV, arena rock spectacles, and the norm of guitar distortion, Sister Rosetta Tharpe emerged from Cotton Plant, Arkansas, as a gospel sensation. In an era when women, especially women of color, were expected to remain in the background, Sister Rosetta commanded the stage with unprecedented boldness and talent. She was the pioneering exception in a male-dominated industry, leading her own musical acts and playing guitar front and center—a bold move for a woman at the time.

The Founding Mother of Rock ‘n’ Roll

The title of the founding father of rock ‘n’ roll often misses a crucial figure: Sister Rosetta Tharpe. With her unique blend of gospel and rock ‘n’ roll, she not only predated but also influenced future legends like Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Elvis Presley. Her groundbreaking work dismantled barriers and set new standards, making her a seminal force in the music world whose impact endures in the hearts of countless musicians.

An Iconic Instrumentalist

Among her many firsts, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was one of the initial artists to play the iconic 1961 Les Paul Gibson SG Custom electric guitar. As a leading black female artist touring the segregated South, she faced and overcame numerous challenges. Despite her significant contributions to the genesis of rock music, her legacy has been underappreciated.

A Legacy Celebrated

In recognition of her musical genius and the 61st anniversary of her signature 1961 Les Paul SG, Gibson has partnered with the Sister Rosetta Tharpe estate to launch a limited-edition lifestyle and accessories collection. This collaboration honors her vast cultural impact and her pioneering spirit, proving that Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s music, and her beloved ’61 Les Paul SG, remain as influential and revered today as ever. Artists around the globe continue to celebrate her as the original dynamo behind the invention of rock music.

See the 61^st anniversary of her well-known, No. 1 instrument, the 1961 Les Paul SG, available as both a Gibson HERE, and an Epiphone, HERE.

Take a deep dive into Sister Rosetta’s life and her classic songs that made history with Gibson artists Celisse–who also served as creative director of the SRT campaign–and Amythyst Kiah, HERE.