Today we have the pleasure of presenting a conversation between Amy Wright and Yola, the six-time Grammy nominee who recently made her acting debut in the Baz Luhrmann-directed hit movie, Elvis, in which Yola powerfully portrays Sister Rosetta Tharpe, an elder of gospel music and arguably the true originator of rock and roll.

While she’s been a singer since four years old, inspired by greats like Tina Turner and Mary J. Blige, this is Yola’s first acting role, and what an incredible opportunity it was, to be able to bring inspiration to a new generation of young black girls, to encourage them to pick up a guitar and go after their dreams. 

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