Try not to miss the PBS American Masters on gospel singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe

[No Elephants]

Some of her stuff is on youtube, but PBS aired much better versions.

I especially liked "Up ABove My Head," as parter performed when Tharpe was relatively young and her "Precious Lord, Take My Hand, as she sang it a couple of years after her mom died.

I won't do them an injustice by posting a youtube version. Really, try to catch it.

She starting performing before audiences, singing and playing guitar, when she was 4 and got a record contract in the 1930s.

In her early performing years, she and her musical partner, Marie Knight, also accompanied themselves. She played piano and {a mean} guitar and her singing partner played piano and percussion. They traveled on an early tour bus, outfitted with beds, because they could not be sure of getting accommodations.

But, just so I don't leave you with nothing, here is Aretha singing "I'll Fly Away' at the funeral of one of her role models, Albertina Walker. PDG (pretty damn good)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVNwv6GjDYM

[Enthusiast]

1. Thank you, No Elephants...nt