Sister Rosetta Tharpe Lesson Plan

Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a gospel, blues, and rock and roll musician. She was playing rock and roll guitar before anyone else did... so why didn't she get the credit for starting rock and roll? Three reasons: she was a queer black woman. At the time, the world was more kind toward straight white men, and so Elvis Presley usually gets the credit for starting rock and roll music. But we know the truth!

Things in the 1940s and 1950s were not fair for Rosetta and her band. Hear the story about why they were likely the first tour bus for a band, and the struggles they experienced on the road. Then, students color Sister Rosetta with a coloring sheet. Perfect for sub plans, Black History Month, or any time of the year.

This lesson plan includes:

• Story

• Materials List

• Prep Steps

• Step-by-Step Instructions

• Resources

• Social Connections

• Art Concepts

• Suggestions to Accommodate Alternative Learners

• Reflection Questions

• Printable Worksheet courtesy artsphere.org

• Examples of Student Work