Southern-born, Chicago-raised and New York-made, Sister Rosetta rose from poverty to become one of the world’s most popular gospel singers. During the 1940s and 50s she introduced the spiritual passion of gospel into the secular world of rock & roll, inspiring some of its greatest stars, including Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard.
“Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a powerful force of nature, anything but ordinary and plain. She was a big good-looking woman, and divine, not to mention sublime and splendid”. – Bob Dylan.
“She’d sing till you cried, then sing till you danced for joy” – Roxie Moore.
“Absolutely brilliant – one of the best music docs I’ve ever seen!” - Fred McCormick.
First broadcast on BBC Four, this rare screening has been made possible by the family of local director (and great friend of Chichester Cinema) Mick Csaky.
