Great Lives

Matthew Parris is joined by Beverley Knight to discuss the life of influential gospel singer-songwriter Sister Rosetta Tharpe, whose music inspired Elvis, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry and Little Richard. With personal memories from Joe Boyd, tour manager of the Blues and Gospel Caravan that came to Britain in 1964 with Sister Rosetta and Muddy Waters performing.

Genre: History Documentary

When is Great Lives next on TV?

It's next showing on BBC Radio 4 Today, 4:30pm and on BBC Radio 4 Tomorrow, 9:30pm. See more...

Main Cast

Matthew Parris
Image for Peter WilliamsPeter Williams
Russell Kane
Sindhu Vee
Mobeen Azhar
Tristram Hunt
Norman Tempest
Ann Pasternak Slater
Image for Alistair McGowanAlistair McGowan
Beverley Knight
Trevor Lyttleton
Image for Caroline QuentinCaroline Quentin
Image for Maureen LipmanMaureen Lipman
Image for Stephen FrearsStephen Frears
Image for Simon CallowSimon Callow
Image for Stephen FryStephen Fry
Image for Ian McKellenIan McKellen
Image for Ben KingsleyBen Kingsley
Image for Sally PhillipsSally Phillips
Image for Brian CoxBrian Cox