<back - LITTLE RICHARD - Richard Wayne Penniman was born Dec. 5, 1932, in Macon, Ga. He was one of 12 children who grew up in a 7th Day Adventist family. Richard sang and played piano at church. Gospel singers, in particular Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Mahalia Jackson had a profound influence on Richard. In 1951 at 18 he won a talent contest in Atlanta that led to a recording contract with RCA Victor.  When his contract with RCA Victor expired, he recorded 2 singles for Peacock Records. In 1955 he recorded his last two singles for Peacock backed by the Johnny Otis Trio.

Richard sent a demo tape to Specialty Records, out of LA. The song, Tutti Frutti, was a success and led to a run of many Rock n' Roll smash hit songs. Songs like Long Tall Sally, Rip It Up, Lucille, Jenny Jenny, Keep A Knockin', Good Golly Miss Molly, and Ooh! My Soul. From 1955 until he left Specialty in 1957 Little Richard would record 50 songs. Between 1956/57 everything he recorded was a hit. Little Richard appeared in several movies including The Girl Can't Help It, for which he recorded the title track. On October 12, 1957 he began a tour of Australia with Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent. In the midst of a sold-out tour, Little Richard quit Rock n' Roll, to become a preacher. In January 1959 he signed with an Los Angeles agency to set up a Gospel tour. After 3 years as a Gospel performer Richard went back to Rock n' Roll. In October, 1962 he began a tour of England and later toured Europe with the Rolling Stones as his opening act. In 1970 he signed with Reprise Records and had a minor hit with Freedom Blues. In 1976 Little Richard returned to the ministry, and by 1979 had recorded 'God's Beautiful City' for World Records, and had become a full-time evangelist. In 1986 he appeared in the hit movie Down and Out in Beverly Hills, which included his first hit in 16 years, Great Gosh a' Mighty, and recorded Lifetime Friend for Warner Brothers. Little Richard became one of the first 10 inductees into the Rock&Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. He was honored with a star on the world-renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1990. Soon afterward, he returned to his hometown of Macon for the unveiling of Little Richard Penniman Boulevard. In 1993, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. In 1994, Richard received the R&B Foundation’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. He also appeared on Elton John’s hit 'Duets' album and delivered a high-octane rendition of Something Else with Tanya Tucker on the platinum MCA Records release, Rhythm, Country & Blues. In 1997, Richard was presented with the prestigious Award of Merit by the American Music Awards in recognition of his contributions to the music world. "Entertaining is a way to spread joy," says Richard. -LivinBlues
MP3- Good Golly Miss Molly | Keep a Knockin' |