Love Arkansas musicians? Then get ready to pay tribute to one of Arkansas’ musical pioneers with a showing of a great musical documentary. Live music is usually the best way to appreciate a musician’s talent, but when that’s not possible, pristine archival footage is the next best choice.
This Wednesday, celebrate an Arkansas legend Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s birthday with a special screening of an American Masters documentary about her life. Central Arkansas Library System is hosting a screening of Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll on Wednesday, March 20, at 8 pm, at the CALS Ron Robinson Theater.
Tharpe was born in Cotton Plant, Arkansas on March 20, 1915 and became known for her energetic guitar playing and singing. She played a mix of gospel and popular music that has had an impact on countless musicians from Johnny Cash to Tina Turner. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
You’ll not only get to watch the documentary – you’ll get to watch the director’s cut of the film. And everybody knows that the director’s cut is an improvement on the original version. (If you don’t, compare the original version of Blade Runner with the multiple director’s cuts. Then get back with me.)
The director’s cut of the documentary will feature more performance footage of Sister Rosetta along with a special introduction from the filmmaker Mick Csaky.
If you’re still not convinced, here’s the best part – the screening is free. Watch a great documentary without shelling out any cash!
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Check out the trailer:
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