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Sister Blues

To mark the 60-year anniversary of her seminal 1964 gig at a Manchester train station, Joan Armatrading explores the life and music of blues trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

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 ±«Óãtv Radio 4.

Available now

57 minutes

Last on

Sat 10 Aug 2024 20:00

Broadcast

  • Sat 10 Aug 2024 20:00