A unique slice of Manchester’s musical history – when the “Godmother of rock and roll” performed live at a city railway station – has been commemorated.
The day Sister Rosetta Tharpe played at the disused station at Whalley Range’s Wilbraham Road in May 1964 has been marked with the unveiling of a blue plaque.
Tharpe, who influenced music legends Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley and Little Richard among others, was recording a show for Granada TV’s Blues and Gospel Train, along with greats such as blues giant Muddy Waters.
The plaque is part of an initiative by social historian and broadcaster Karen Gabay, to place plaques across Manchester, honouring Black musicians who left a mark on the city.
