DOCUMENTARY: THE GODMOTHER OF ROCK & ROLL

From writer, producer and director Mick Csaky, The Godmother of Rock & Roll: Sister Rosetta Tharpe is a documentary that chronicles the life, music and influence of African-American gospel singer and guitar virtuoso Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

During the 1940s, 50s and 60s, Sister Rosetta Tharpe played a highly significant role in the creation of rock & roll, inspiring musicians like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Little Richard and Chuck Berry. She may not be a household name, but this flamboyant African-American gospel singing superstar, with her spectacular virtuosity on the newly-electrified guitar, was one of the most influential popular musicians of the 20th century.

The film -originally aired by the BBC in 2011- features archival performances and new interviews with musicians, producers and friends, including Joe Boyd, tour manager of the 1964 American Folk, Blues and Gospel Caravan; Lottie Henry of The Rosettes; Gordon Stoker of The Jordanaires; Howard Caroll of gospel group The Dixie Hummingbirds and others.