Sister Rosetta Tharpe – Complete Recorded Works 1938-1944 Vol 3 (1946-1947)
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Complete Recorded Works 1938–1947 Vol. 3 (1946–1947) presents Sister Rosetta Tharpe during one of the most exciting periods of her career. Backed by Sammy Price’s swinging trio and joined on several recordings by Marie Knight, these sessions highlight her powerful gospel vocals and pioneering blues guitar. Together they capture the sound of an artist whose music helped lay the foundations of rhythm & blues and early rock ’n’ roll.
About This Release –
Sister Rosetta Tharpe – Complete Recorded Works 1938–1947 Vol. 3 (1946–1947) captures the final chapter of Tharpe’s remarkable Decca recordings from the 1940s. During this period she worked closely with pianist Sammy Price and his trio, whose swinging rhythm section gave her guitar and voice an even stronger foundation.
As a result, these sessions reveal Tharpe at the height of her musical confidence. Her powerful gospel vocals combine effortlessly with rhythmic blues guitar, producing performances that sound strikingly modern even today.
Moreover, several titles revisit songs she had recorded earlier in her career. With Sammy Price’s lively boogie accompaniment, these new versions gain a deeper swing and a richer rhythmic drive. Consequently, Tharpe’s bold guitar introductions and expressive solos stand out even more clearly.
Another highlight of this period is her celebrated partnership with Marie Knight. Their memorable duets, including classics such as Up Above My Head, brought gospel music to a wider audience and became some of the most beloved recordings of the era.
Therefore, this volume documents a crucial moment in the evolution of modern American music. Tharpe’s fearless mixture of sacred lyrics, blues phrasing, and driving guitar rhythms helped shape the emerging sounds of rhythm & blues and early rock ’n’ roll.
Today these recordings remain a powerful reminder of an artist whose influence continues to echo through generations of musicians.
Why This Volume Matters
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Historic recordings from 1946–1947
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Features the swinging trio of pianist Sammy Price
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Includes celebrated duets with Marie Knight
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Demonstrates Tharpe’s influential gospel-blues guitar style
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Documents a key stage in the roots of rock ’n’ roll
Featured Tracks
Up Above My Head I Hear Music in the Air
Didn’t It Rain
The End of My Journey
How Far From God
10. Back Woods Blues - Clara Smith
3. Cornbread Meat And Molasses - Sonny Terry
17. Teach Me To Be Right - Sister Rosetta Tharpe acc. by Sam Price Trio