queerasfact:

This is the gravestone of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, known as the godmother of rock and roll, and cited by the likes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Chuck Berry as an influence on their music.

When Rosetta died in 1973, she was buried in an unmarked grave. It wasn’t until 2008 when a concert of Rosetta’s friends and admirers in the music industry raised the funds to buy her a gravestone. Rosetta’s musical partner and probable lover, Marie Knight, was among the performers. In 2017, Rosetta was finally elected to join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Check out our podcast to learn more about Rosetta’s life, her music, and her relationship with Marie.