Honoring the Iconic Godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll, the Scholarship Brings Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s Roots Influence Back to Her Birth State of Arkansas
Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, proudly announces the second annual Gibson Gives Sister Rosetta Tharpe music scholarship. This prestigious award, administered in collaboration with the Arkansas Arts Academy, has been granted to music student Luis Melchor.
The scholarship honors Sister Rosetta Tharpe, an incomparable artist who broke barriers in an era when women, especially women of color, had little visibility in the music industry. Renowned as the Godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tharpe’s influence is brought back to her birth state of Arkansas through this initiative.
Luis Melchor, the 2024 scholarship recipient, is recognized for his exceptional talent and dedication. “Luis is a great kid and has grown so much as a musician,” says Patrick, a music instructor at the Arkansas Arts Academy. “He has an insatiable passion for music – particularly vocally and as a guitarist. If he continues to put the time and effort into his playing, he will have a great future in music.”
The Gibson Gives Sister Rosetta Tharpe Scholarship provides more than just financial assistance; it includes a $5,000 cash grant and a choice of a Gibson acoustic or electric guitar, aiding recipients as they navigate their post-graduate education and future careers in music. “Gibson Gives believes in nurturing young talent who will shape the soundscape of tomorrow,” says Erica Krusen, Global Executive Director of Gibson Gives. “Supporting a music education scholarship with the Arkansas Arts Academy means investing in the future harmony of our world.”
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, born in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, became a gospel superstar and a pioneering artist who defied the norms of her time. As one of the first musicians to play the iconic 1961 Les Paul SG Custom electric guitar, she toured through the segregated Jim Crow South, cementing her legacy as a seminal figure in the creation of rock music. Her electrifying performances predate and influenced legends such as Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Elvis Presley.
In celebration of Tharpe’s lasting legacy, Gibson collaborates with the Sister Rosetta Tharpe estate to launch a lifestyle and accessories collection, coinciding with the 61st anniversary of her famous 1961 Les Paul SG. This collection, available on Gibson’s website, includes the iconic instrument and other memorabilia.
Gibson, a leading global guitar brand, continues to support the music community through its philanthropic arm, Gibson Gives. Their mission is to support non-profit organizations worldwide in advancing musicians, youth-focused education, and health and wellness initiatives, ensuring 100% of donations go towards giving the gift of music.
Explore the Sister Rosetta Tharpe Collection on www.Gibson.com.
