"Rhythm and blues had a baby and somebody named it rock and roll." Little Richard.
Lucille and Long Tall Sally, recorded live in Australia in October 1957, will soon be released on a CD. This is the first time since the '50s that it will be possible to hear Little Richard with his original '50s touring band.
"Let it all hang out!" Little Richard.
"There could not have been a Michael Jackson if there had not been a Little Richard." PEOPLE Magazine
"…a contemporary pop rebel like Prince seems like small potatoes compared with Little Richard, the original wild man of rock ’n’ roll." NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
LITTLE RICHARD, the originator, the emancipator, the architect of rock and roll. Exploding into the American consciousness in the mid-50's’..."awop-bop-a-loo-mop-alop-bam-boom"…he singlehandedly laid the foundation and established the rules for a new musical form: rock and roll.
Born and raised in Macon, Georgia, the third of twelve children, Richard Wayne Penniman began singing in his local church choir while still a youngster. He signed with RCA Records in 1951 after winning a talent contest and released two singles—neither receiving prominent notice.
Returning to his job washing dishes in a Greyhound bus station, Richard sent a demo tape to Specialty Records, a fledgling Los Angeles label. The song, "Tutti Frutti," was his catalyst for success and led to an uninterrupted run of smash hits—"Tutti Frutti," "Long Tall Sally," "Rip It Up," "Lucille," "Jenny Jenny," "Keep A Knockin’", "Good Golly Miss Molly," "Ooh! My Soul"…By 1968, Little Richard had sold over 32 million records internationally.
A self-imposed hiatus took Richard out of the industry spotlight, but never out of the consciousness of the legions of fans around the world who confidently awaited his return.
In 1985, Richard charged back stronger than ever, scoring rave reviews for his memorable appearance in 1985 boxoffice smash "Down and Out in Beverly Hills," a film which also launched his hit single, "Great Gosh A Mighty." He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and launched into a pattern of work which has been virtually non-stop, encompassing not only recording, but television, films, soundtracks and commercials: "Martin," "Full House," "Miami Vice," the 60th Annual Academy Awards, among other television guest spots; a duet with Philip Bailey for the Universal Pictures’ hit, "Twins"; background vocals on the U2/BB King hit single, "When Love Comes to Town"; the CBS Records all-star benefit album and Showtime/PBS documentary special, "A Vision Shared—A Tribute to Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly"; television pitchman for Taco Bell, McDonald’s, NBC-TV, Commodore/Amiga Computers and Revlon’s "Charlie" perfume, in which he starred with supermodel Cindy Crawford.
His performance of a rock ’n’ roll version of the children’s tune, "Itsy Bitsy Spider," was a stand-out track on the star-studded Disney Records’ benefit album, "For Our Children." The record went gold and earned millions for the Pediatric AIDS Foundation, an organization he continues to support. Disney followed up with "Shake It All About," an entire album of children’s songs redone by Richard in a style that is his alone. His portrayal of a rock ’n’ roll Old King Cole in Shelley Duvall’s "Mother Goose Rock ’n’ Rhyme," an appearance on "Sesame Street" and a spot on the Jim Henson Records album, "Kermit Unpigged" (on which he guests on the all-star song and video for a remake of "She Drives Me Crazy"), have ensured him a new generation of fans.
Richard 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 long-overdue Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. He also performed for rock & roll fans Bill Clinton and Al Gore at one of the biggest parties in Washington—the inaugural gala.
In 1994, Richard received the Rhythm & Blues Foundation’s prestigious Pioneer 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." Most recently, Richard was presented with the prestigious Award of Merit byt the 1997 American Music Awards in recognition of his contributions to and powerful influence on the music world. Driven by an incredible, hard-to-match energy which lends credence to his "wild man of rock ’n’ roll" image, Richard continues to tour extensively, delighting audiences with his unique blend of music and humor.
"Entertaining is a way to spread joy," says Richard. "I’ve come to terms with that and with myself. You’ve got to do that before you can begin to help others."
Discography
'50s recordings
Info 1951-1952, RCA Victor, Tune(s) Ain't Nothing Happening Every Hour Get Rich Quick I Brought It All On Myself Please Have Mercy On Me Taxi Blues Thinkin' 'Bout My Mother Why Did You Leave Me
Info 1953-1954, Peacock, Tune(s) Ain't That Good News Always Directly From My Heart Fool At The Wheel I Love My Baby Little Richard's Boogie Maybe I'm Right Rice, Red Beans and Turnip Greens
Info 1955-1957, Specialty, Tune(s) All Around The World (aka Rock'n'Roll Is Here To Stay) All Night Long Baby Baby Face Boo Hoo Hoo Hoo (aka I'll Never Let You Go) By The Light Of The Silvery Moon Can't Believe You Wanna Leave Chicken Little Baby Directly From My Heart Early One Morning Good Golly Miss Molly Good Morning Little School Girl (1989) Heeby Jeebies Heeby Jeebies Love (1989) Hey Hey Hey Hey Hound Dog (1989) I Got It I'm Just A Lonely Guy Jenny Jenny Kansas City Keep A Knockin' Lonesome And Blue Long Tall Sally (aka The Thing) Lucille Maybe I'm Right Miss Ann Oh Why Ooh! My Soul Ready Teddy Rip It Up Send Me Some Lovin' Shake A Hand She Knows How To Rock She's Got It She's My Star (1989) Slippin' And Slidin' The Girl Can't Help It The Most I Can Offer True Fine Mama Tutti Frutti Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On Wonderin'
Info 1959, Little Star Tune(s) Every Night About This Time Freedom Ride I'm In Love Again Valley Of Tears
'60s recordings
Info 1963-1965, Vee-Jay, Tune(s) Baby Face Belle Stars (1972) (aka Belle Star) Blueberry Hill Cherry Red Cross Over Dance What You Wanna Dancing All Around The World (aka Dance A Go-Go) Every Time I Think About You (1974) (aka Something Moves In My Heart) Funky Dish Rag (1972) Going Home Tomorrow Good Golly Miss Molly Goodnight Irene Groovy Little Suzie Hound Dog I Don't Know What You Got It Ain't What You Do Jenny Jenny Keep A Knockin' Lawdy Miss Clawdy Long Tall Sally Lucille Memories Are Made Of This Money Honey My Wheel's Been Slippin' All The Way (1971) Only You Ooh! My Soul Rip It Up Send Me Some Lovin' She's Got It Short Fat Fannie Slippin' And Slidin' Talkin' 'Bout Soul (1971) The Girl Can't Help It Tutti Frutti Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On Why Don't You Love Me (1972) Without Love You Better Stop
Info 1964, Specialty, Tune(s) Ain't That A Shame (1989) Annie Is Back Bama Lama Bama Loo I Got A Woman (1989) Miss Ann (1989) Poor Boy Paul (1971) Tutti Frutti (1989) Well Alright (1971)
Info 1965-1966, Modern Tune(s) Baby (aka Baby, Don't You Want A Man Like Me) Baby What You Want Me To Do Bama Lama Bama Loo Bony Moronie Bring It Back Home To Me (aka Bring It On Home To Me) Directly From My Heart To You Do The Jerk (aka Get Down With It) Do You Feel It Good Golly Miss Molly Groovy Little Suzie Holy Mackerel I'm Back Jenny Jenny Keep A Knockin' Long Tall Sally Lucille Miss Ann Ready Teddy Rip It Up (aka Saturday Night Rock) Send Me Some Lovin' Slippin' And Slidin' (live & studio versions) True Fine Mama Tutti Frutti Whole Lotta Shakin'
Info 1966-1967, Okeh, Tune(s) A Little Bit Of Something Anyway You Want Me (aka Baby, What You Want Me To Do) Don't Deceive Me (aka Don't Deceive Me (Please Don't Go) Function At The Junction Get Down With It Good Golly Miss Molly Hurry Sundown I Don't Want To Discuss It (aka You're My Girl) I Don't Want To Discuss It) I Need Love Jenny Jenny Land Of A Thousand Dances Long Tall Sally Lucille Money Never Gonna Let You Go Poor Dog (Who Can't Wag His Own Tail) Rosemary Send Me Some Lovin' The Commandments Of Love The Girl Can't Help It True Fine Mama Tutti Frutti Well (aka Well, Alright) Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On You Got To Feel It (aka Don't Fight It)
Info 1967-1968, Brunswick Tune(s) Baby Don't You Tear My Clothes Can I Count On You She's Together Soul Train Stingy Jenny (Got What It Takes But It Breaks My Heart To Give It Away) Try Some Of Mine
'70s recordings
Info 1970-1972, Reprise Tune(s) Born On The Bayou Brown Sugar Dancing In The Street Dew Drop Inn Do It - To It Freedom Blues Green Power Greenwood Mississippi I Saw Her Standing There I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry In The Name It Ain't What You Do, It's The Way How You Do It Joy To The World King Of Rock And Roll Lovesick Blues Midnight Special Mockingbird Sally (aka Mockinbird Sally) Money Is Nuki Suki Prophet Of Peace Radio Spots For The Rill Thing Band 1 Radio Spots For The Rill Thing Band 2 Rockin' Rockin' Boogie Sanctified, Satisfied Toe-Tapper Second Line Settin' The Woods On Fire Shake A Hand (If You Can) Somebody Saw You Spreadin' Natta, What's The Matter The Rill Thing The Saints The Way You Do The Things You Do Thomasine Two Time Loser
Info 1970, Atco, with Bonnie & Delaney Tune(s) Miss Ann
Info 1972, United Artists, backing by Canned Heat, Tune(s) Rockin' With The King
Info 1972, Bell Tune(s) Good Golly Miss Molly Lucille Rip It Up
Info 1973, Kent Tune(s) Chain Chain Chain Chains Of Love Dock Of The Bay Don't You Know I Geraldine Jones (misspelled Gerald Jones) Hot Nuts In The Name Mississippi
Info 1973, Greene Mountain Tune(s) Where Will I Find A Place To Sleep This Evening In The Middle Of The Night
Info 1975, Manticore Tune(s) Call My Name Steal Miss Liza (Steal Liza Jane)
Info 1975, Mercury, with Bachman-Turner Overdrive Tune(s) Take It Like A Man Stay Alive
Info 1975, Mainstream Tune(s) Try To Help Your Brother
Info 1976, S. J. Productions, Tune(s) All Around The World Baby Face Bama Lama Bama Loo By The Light Of The Silvery Moon Can't Believe You Wanna Leave Good Golly Miss Molly Jenny Jenny Keep A Knockin' Long Tall Sally Lucille Miss Ann Ooh! My Soul Ready Teddy Rip It Up Send Me Some Lovin' She's Got It Slippin' And Slidin' The Girl Can't Help It True Fine Mama Tutti Frutti
Info 1978, Creole Tune(s) Send Me Some Lovin' 1978
'80s and '90s discography
The years in this discography are in descending order. The info field here contains the recording's publishing year, the name of the record, and possibly other artist with Richard, and CD availability icon. OST stands for Original Soundtrack, OTVST for Original TV Soundtrack, and FM for From Movie.
Info 1998, OST: Why Do Fools Fall In Love, Tune(s) Keep A Knockin'
Info 1997, OTVST: The Drew Carey Show, with Joe Walsh, Tune(s) Rocky Mountain Way
Info 1997, Soulgasm, with Jimmy Lewis, Tune(s) Hold On To What You've Got
Info 1996, The Definition Of Soul, with Solomon Burke, Tune(s) Everybody's Got A Game
Info 1996, The Songs Of The West Side Story, Tune(s) I Feel Pretty
Info 1995, OST: Casper, Tune(s) Casper The Friendly Ghost
Info 1995, Splish Splash Bathtime Fun, Tune(s) Rubber Duckie
Info 1994, Rhythm Country And Blues, with Tanya Tucker, Tune(s) Somethin' Else
Info 1993, with Elton John, Duets, Tune(s) The Power
Info 1993, OST: We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story, Tune(s) Roll Back The Rock
Info 1992, LR Meets Masayoshi Takanaka, with Masayoshi Takanaka, Tune(s) Good Golly Miss Molly Tutti Frutti Miss Ann Lucille Long Tall Sally Send Me Some Lovin' Jenny Jenny Rip It Up Kansas City ~ Hey Hey Hey Hey Ready Teddy
Info 1992, Shake It All About, Tune(s) The Hokey Pokey On Top Of Spaghetti Old MacDonald She'll Be Comin' Around The Mountain Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Keep A Knockin' Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star If You're Happy And You Know It When The Saints Go Marching In He's Got The Whole World In His Hands Here We Go Loopty-Loo Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone?
Info 1991, For Our Children, Tune(s) Itsy Bitsy Spider
Info 1991, OST: A Rage In Harlem, Tune(s) Elevator Operator
Info 1991, FM: King Ralph, Tune(s) Good Golly Miss Molly
Info 1990, with Living Color, Time's Up, Tune(s) Elvis Is Dead
Info 1990, Blaze Of Glory/Young Guns II, with Jon Bon Jovi, Tune(s) You Really Got Me Now
Info 1989, When Love Comes To Town, with U2 & B.B. King Tune(s) When Love Comes To Town
Info 1989, OST: Grand Slam, Tune(s) Grand Slam
Info 1988, Folkways: A Vision Shared, Tune(s) Rock Island Line
Info 1988, OST: Twins, with Philip Bailey, Tune(s) Twins
Info 1988, FM: Twins, with Philip Bailey Tune(s) Twins (Extended Mix) Twins (A Cappella) Twins (Radio Mix) Twins (Club Mix) Twins (Dub Mix)
Info 1987, FM: Telephone, with Beach Boys Tune(s) Happy Endings
Info 1987, Rock Around The Mouse, with Goofy, Tune(s) Gawrsh Golly Goofy
Info 1986, FM: Down And Out In Beverly Hills Tune(s) Great Gosh A Mighty
Info 1986, OST: Down And Out In Beverly Hills, Tune(s) Great Gosh A Mighty
Info 1986, Lifetime Friend, Tune(s) Great Gosh A Mighty Operator Somebody's Comin' Lifetime Friend Destruction I Found My Way The World Can't Do Me One Ray Of Sunshine Someone Cares Big House Reunion
Richard also appears on the next records with other artists.
Info 1992, The Album Of Life, with cast of stars, Tune(s) Raise The World (without intro) Raise The World (with intro)
Info 1991, Give Peace A Chance, with Peace Choir, Tune(s) Give Peace A Chance
Info 1991, Voices That Care, with Voices That Care, Tune(s) Voices That Care