MARCH 20: TODAY'S INSPIRING WOMEN

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Sister Rosetta Tharpe, an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, was born today in 1915. She was a pioneer in her guitar techniques. In fact, she was among the first popular recording artists to use heavy distortion on her electric guitar, presaging the rise of electric blues.

Harriet Beecher Stowe

In 1852, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin was published, later becoming the best-selling book of the 19th century.

Romana Acosta Bañuelos

Romana Acosta Bañuelos, the thirty-fourth Treasurer of the United States and the first Hispanic person in that role, was born today in 1925. She was also owner of a multimillion-dollar business, Ramona’s Mexican Food Products, Inc.

DEEPER DIVE

Watch Sister Rosetta Tharpe perform: