Sister Rosetta Tharpe's Legacy Shines in West End Play

0:00On March 7th, sister Rosetta Tharp, often called the godmother of rock and roll, is finally getting the recognition she deserves through a new west, in play called Marie and Rosetta. Born in 1915, this American guitar player and singer blended gospel with blues and jazz on her electric guitar, influencing legends like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard. The show stars Beverly Knight at starp and in Tampis Ottawa and Doveau as her musical partner, Marie Knight, opening in a 1946 rehearsal scene. Tharp rose to fame in the 1930s and 40s, performing in nightclubs like Harlem's Cotton Club and signing with Decker Records in, 1938. She brought gospel music to new audiences, mixing it with upbeat tempos, and later toured Europe until her death in 1973. Meanwhile, 19-year-old pianist Mia Odellier from Wandsworth is helping shine a light on Tharp's legacy. She's been playing since age 7 on her family's old piano, inspired by her mother and black

1:02classical musician she found on mine. Odellier won Wandsworth musician of the year in 2022 and reached the final of Channel 4's The Piano after auditioning at Liverpool Street Station. On the show, she connected with contestants from all backgrounds and got coaching from singer-songwriter John Batiste, calling it a magical creative experience. Music historian Dr. Samantha Eige praises Odellier for highlighting black women like Tharp, Florence Price, and Margaret Bonds, who broke barriers in, segregated America. These stories remind us how discrimination hid so many pioneers, but plays like Marie and Rosetta running at Soho place until April 11th. And talents like Audellier are changing that, bringing their music back to life for everyone.