Rosetta Tharpe pioneered as a gospel singer and songwriter in the 1930s and 1940s, combining a mixture of spiritual lyrics and early rock and roll. Known as the “original soul sister,” she was the first great gospel music recording star. She combined sacred and secular music and performed at nightclubs and concert halls with big bands as accompaniment. Her approach offended some conservative churchgoers. The Arkansas-born performer married a preacher and they moved to New York City in 1934. Her first recording venture was backed by a jazz orchestra.