Little Richard is considered one of the pioneers and most influential figures in rock and roll music. He began his career in the 1950s and quickly became famous for his high-energy performances. He also broke down racial barriers in the music industry by performing in concert halls and on radio that were traditionally reserved for white performers.
His songs Tutti Frutti, Long Tall Sally and Good Golly Miss Molly all reached the top of the charts and became classics of rock and roll music.
Little Richard is also known for his extravagant style, including his long hair, sequined clothes and make-up.
The album
“Here's Little Richard” is Little Richard's first studio album, released in 1957. It includes covers of his most popular songs of the time, as well as original songs that all helped define Little Richard's style.
“Here's Little Richard” was also an important album in the history of the music industry as it was one of the first rock and roll albums to be produced by a black artist and distributed to a white audience. It was also a great influence on many rock and roll artists and music in general, including Elvis Presley, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Tutti Frutti
Little Richard's original version of Tutti Frutti is considered one of the earliest examples of rock and roll. Recorded in 1955, it has been widely recognised for its energetic style and Little Richard's distinctive vocal performance.
The song has also been covered and popularised by many artists over the decades. It was the opening track on the B-side of the Elvis Presley album (2nd on the list of 1001 albums you must hear before you die). The Queen version can be heard during their live performance at Wembley in 1986.
Long Tall Sally (The Thing)
Long Tall Sally is a rock and roll song written and recorded by Little Richard in 1956. The song was written by Little Richard, Enotris Johnson and Robert “Bumps” Blackwell. It was recorded in one take during the recording session.
The song is characterised by the lyrics describing a strong, independent woman called Sally, who has a great love for men, but who is also a bit scary. Little Richard's vocal performance is also remarkable, with screams and shrieks that helped define his unique style.
Where to listen Here's Little Richard ?
- Listen Here's Little Richard on Spotify
- Listen Here's Little Richard on Deezer
- Listen Here's Little Richard on Youtube