women blues musicians

"An inspiring true story about the life, career, and impact of twentieth-century blues and gospel singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who was a trailblazer for rock and roll. Before there was Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Johnny Cash, there was Sister Rosetta Tharpe"--Provided by publisher.

Analyzes the performances, words, and lives of African-American blues artists Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, Bessie Smith, and Billie Holiday, and attempts to explore the feminist implications of their recorded music. Includes original transcriptions of the lyrics of all available recordings by Rainey and Smith.