Tharpe, Sister Rosetta - Gospel Train (Verve Vault Series)

An undisputed yet underrated architect of what we now know as modern rock and roll, 1956's Gospel Train was an innovative release for Sister Rosetta Tharpe in more ways than one.

For starters, her first release on the Mercury Records label was also her first available from any label on the then-new 12" long-playing format — still the industry standard for vinyl albums today. Most importantly, Gospel Train took Sister Tharpe's distinctive blend of primordial electric guitar-driven blues and traditional gospel and harnessed its power in a polished studio setting, backed by first-call session musicians including the vocal quartet the Harmonizing Four.

These songs (including "Up Above My Head There's Music in the Air," "Jericho" and "99 ½ Won't Do") signify the power of Sister Tharpe's musical gifts, which would only become more influential in the years to come.