Sister Rosetta Tharpe: Composer of 'Up Above My Head' - Chris Marlow

 Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Composer of ‘Up above my head’.

Chris Marlow

Rock’n’roll music has its roots in gospel music. Elvis Presley* grew up ‘deeply immersed’** in gospel music at his local Pentecostal church in Tupelo, and later at the Baptist church in Memphis. One of the main originators of the rock’n’roll style was Sister Rosetta Tharpe (20-3-1915 – 9-10-73) who recorded her unique style of rhythmic gospel (check out her version of ‘Down by the riverside’) which became popular in the 1930’s and 40’s. 

Chuck Berry, considered the ‘most important’** pioneer of rock’n’roll, famously said that his whole career had been ‘one long Sister Rosetta Tharpe impersonation’. 

One of her most famous songs is ‘Up above my head (music in the air)’ with the line ‘I really do believe, there's a Heaven somewhere’. She preached against drinking, smoking* and other vices (see ‘This Train’).

Rosetta started her musical career at the age of six, touring with her mother; as she was

already a guitar prodigy. Although she never veered away from gospel music, she lost support among church-goers due to her willingness to perform in ‘less holy’ places such as nightclubs and theatres, with ‘less holy’ people including jazz and big-band musicians.

The internet says: ‘If you are ever having a down day put on some Rosetta, she will definitely lift you up'

Shri Mataji liked most styles of music and, on at least one occasion, encouraged us to sing gospel music (as well as Indian classical).

*In spite of his reputation as a ‘wild kid’, Elvis did not drink or smoke, although towards the end of his life he became addicted to prescription drugs (‘uppers’ and ‘downers’) which led to his early death at the age of 42. Elvis loved singing and gave 1,777 shows in his short career.

**Quotes are from Google AI search engine.