In a nutshell: a brisk, 32-bar, AABA blues in D.
"Sister Sadie" is from down home. Horace relates that Coltrane, when he heard the group play it in Philly, said to him, "What's the name of that 'amen' number you're playing?" (original liner notes of Blowin the Blues Away, Blue Note 84017)
"Sister Sadie," the epitome of gospel-inflected sould jazz with its call-and-response melody and churning beat, was an instant hit that would soon be wideley covered by Woody Herman and many others. (remaster liner notes)
The only other major mention of the character name "Sister Sadie" I know of is mentioned by Nina Simone's performance of "Mississippi Goddamn" (an excellent tune). From The Village Voice:
First of all, her songs, whether covers or original compositions, always privileged the black woman's point of view; they spoke for the dispossessed Sister Sadie who cleaned floors or raised children who would never in their lives again treat black women with respect.
Yes, you lied to me all these years/told me to wash and clean my ears/and talk real fine, just like a lady/and you'd stop calling me Sister Sadie.
The original is available on Blowin the Blues away. Here's some additional versions.
Craig Davis (traditional, piano focus)
Fay Victor (traditional, guitar focus, w/ lyrics)
Ranee Lee (modern, different rhythmic style, w/ lyrics)
These videos present two larger bands performing the popular bridge.
I'm not sure who really wrote the first lyrics for Sister Sadie.
Sister Sadie was a mean chic, always thought that she was real slick,
Then she ran into Alfonso Brown, and hasn't been the same since Alfonso put her down.Sister Sadie never worry, Sister Sadie never hurry,
Then she ran into Alfonso Brown, and hasn't been the same since Alfonso put her down.She just paces 'round the floor, she don't have no mind no more,
She just stares off into space, with a frown on her face.Sister Sadie was a honey, always had a lot of money,
Then she ran into Alfonso Brown, and hasn't been the same since Alfonso put her down.