Sister Rosetta Tharpe was erased from most mainstream media during her time. However, later she was recognized as the “Godmother of Rock and Roll.” She created this unique style around rock. Many times, historians forget how Sister Rosetta paved the way and how she greatly influenced Elvis Presley. The most prominent depiction of Rock is Elvis jamming out on stage, singing famous songs that came from African American women like Sister Rosetta and Big Momma Thorton. This patriarchal narrative continues to be perpetuated today. By creating a platform for women of minority groups and allowing them to share their music and their stories help recognize these women that have shaped music today. In the Wald (2009) reading, she stresses how difficult it was to gather information about Sister Rosetta for the biography that she was working on. She understood that it’s important to remember figures like Sister Rosetta because she is someone who breaks away from the patriarchal system. By creating books, conducting interviews, and documentaries that talk and celebrate these women, we can always remember them and their achievements throughout their life journey. As Wald said, "Biography can be critical and it can be feminist. It can shed light on women’s lives while questioning the historical apparatuses that have excluded them (Wald, 2009)." We should remember these women who have influenced music and are contributors to history. History likes to minimize the work women have done and create a strong male narrative. This is why it is crucial to remember women like Sister Rosetta.
Alice Bag is another great example of fighting the patriarchy. She wasn't afraid to speak out and talk about serious topics like domestic violence, sexism, and racism(Habell-Pallan, 2012). She fought back when men in the audience would try to overpower women or even the stage. She cultivated a safe space where people can enjoy music. Additionally, her unique voice created a massive influence in the Punk Rock scene. For example, her style was inspired by her Mexican culture; it was called "Estilo barvio." It fused Ranchera music and Punk to create her unique voice and performance style. "Alice's performances were meant to ignite a cathartic release and in a sense, they prevented the violence swirling in her life from breaking her spirit(Habell-Pallan, 2012)." Much of her inspiration from her songs came from her personal experiences. She pointed out the racism that was perpetuated throughout the Punk scene and in America. She used the pain that she experienced from being bullied by others and watching her father beat her mother. She transformed her pain into art. It is crucial not to forget how people in the past paved the way for us now. We should celebrate these people and make sure their artwork is continued throughout future generations.
DJ Selections:
The first song that I chose was “Precious Memories” by Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Throughout the song, she repeatedly says that her memories are vital to her. It was a way to keep her connected with her roots and keep her grounded as a person. She looks back in a loving manner and remembers those who have influenced her in her life. Again, it plays back on how we should remember these women and recognize their success because they are important in musical history. The second song that I chose was "Poor Boy" by The Regrettes. The reason why I chose this song is because it speaks about sexual assault. The song also allude to the Me Too movement and how "These girls are coming for you!" They show that women are no longer keeping quiet about assault and are going against the patriarchy.
Gayle Wald, “Rosetta Tharpe and Feminist Unforgetting,” Journal of Women's History, Volume 21, Number 4, Winter 2009, 157-160.
Michelle Habell-Pallán, “ ‘Death to Racism and Punk Rock Revisionism’ in Alice Bag’s Vexing Voice and the Unspeakable Influence of Cancion Ranchera on Hollywood Punk” in Pop When the World Falls Apart. 2012.
Songs:
“Precious Memories” By Sister Rosettta Tharpe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47En3MRB3OU&list=PL7hqawtGjQuRipEyTTl7-BlIuRZqJEZwn
"Poor Boy" by The Regrettes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll8ZKGCBIcE
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