Portrait of Little Richard

Little Richard

Origin: Macon, Georgia, USA Years: December 5, 1932 - May 9, 2020

Little Richard, often called 'The Architect of Rock and Roll,' pioneered the high-energy sound and flamboyant performance style that became synonymous with rock music. His explosive vocals, pounding piano playing, and wild stage antics shattered racial barriers and redefined live performance. Songs like 'Tutti Frutti' and 'Long Tall Sally' created the template for rock and roll's raw energy. His influence spans generations, inspiring artists from James Brown and The Beatles to Prince and David Bowie. Richard was among the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993.

Rock and RollRhythm and BluesBoogie-WoogiePiano BluesGospelSoul

Discography Overview

With a career spanning 1951 to 2020, Little Richard released 22 studio albums and created some of rock and roll's most enduring hits. His recordings from 1955-1957 established the foundation for rock music, with 'Tutti Frutti' and 'Long Tall Sally' becoming genre-defining classics. Despite several hiatuses for religious ministry, his catalog influenced virtually every major rock artist. His work has been sampled by hundreds of artists and his songs appear in countless films and television shows, cementing his legacy as one of music's most influential figures.

Key Albums

  • Here's Little Richard (1957)
  • Little Richard (1958)
  • The Fabulous Little Richard (1959)
  • The King of Rock and Roll (1971)

Key Songs

  • Tutti Frutti
  • Long Tall Sally
  • Good Golly, Miss Molly
  • Lucille
  • Keep A-Knockin'
  • Rip It Up
  • The Girl Can't Help It
  • Ready Teddy

Career Timeline

  1. 1951 Recorded first singles for RCA Records; gained regional popularity in the South
  2. 1955 Signed with Specialty Records; released breakthrough single 'Tutti Frutti'
  3. 1956 Released string of hits including 'Long Tall Sally', 'Rip It Up', and 'Lucille'
  4. 1957 Debuted in film 'The Girl Can't Help It'; enrolled at Oakwood College, left rock for gospel music
  5. 1958-1962 Recorded gospel music; made limited rock and roll appearances while pursuing ministry
  6. 1964 Successful European tour with Rolling Stones; returned to rock and roll full-time
  7. 1968-1970 Popular resurgence with new album releases; performed at major festivals
  8. 1977-1986 Returned to gospel ministry; retired from rock music again
  9. 1986 Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of first induction class
  10. 1993 Received Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award; appeared in documentary 'The Little Richard Story'
  11. 2007 Released final studio album 'Southern Child' (recorded in 1972)
  12. 2020 Passed away at age 87 in Tullahoma, Tennessee; widely celebrated as 'The Architect of Rock and Roll'

Influence Graph

How Little Richard sits in the influence chain

Influenced

  • Elvis Presley
  • The Beatles
  • The Rolling Stones
  • James Brown
  • Michael Jackson
  • David Bowie
  • Prince
  • Jimi Hendrix
  • Freddie Mercury

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