32c Rosetta Tharpe stamp

The Postal Service issued four 32-cent Gospel Singers commemorative stamps on July 15, 1998, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The stamps were issued as an addition to the Legends of American Music Series.

The stamps feature gospel legends Mahalia Jackson, an international star considered one of the greatest gospel singers of all time; Roberta Martin, who formed her own gospel music publishing house; Clara Ward, a renowned arranger, composer, pianist, singer, and group leader; and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who, with her signature guitar, helped introduce gospel into concert halls and nightclubs and was the first gospel singer to record with a major record company.

Designed by Howard Paine of Delaplane, Virginia, and illustrated by Gary Kelley of Cedar Falls, Iowa, the stamps were manufactured by Sennett Security Products in the gravure process and issued in water-activated panes of twenty.

Reference: Postal Bulletin (June 18, 1998).

Scott Catalogue USA: 3219

Copyright United States Postal Service. All rights reserved.

Museum ID: 1998.2014.59