ABSTRACT

In the yet-to-be written annals of stadium rock, the massive concert staged in Washington D.C.’s Griffith Stadium on July 3, 1951 ranks as one of the most extraordinary. That was the night singer-guitarist “Sister” Rosetta Tharpe, a musician and performer of arena-sized talent, married her third husband in a joint wedding ceremony-concert before 20,000 fans doubling as guests.