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Little Richard
"God gives us the ability, but rock ‘n’ roll was created by men."
Biography
Early Years
His father, Bud, was a stern man who made his living selling moonshine and didn’t do much to hide his disdain for his son’s early signs of homosexuality. At the age of 13 Richard was ordered to move out of the family home. Richard’s relationship with his father was never repaired. When Richard was 19, his father was shot dead outside a local bar.
The childhood that Richard did manage to have was largely shaped by the church. Two of his uncles as well as his grandfather were preachers, and Richard was involved with the church as much as anyone in his family, singing gospel and eventually learning to play the piano from an equally flamboyant character.
Success
Little Richard first recorded in a bluesy vein in 1951, but it was his tenure at Specialty Records beginning in 1955 that made his mark as a rock and roll architect. Working at the now-legendary J&M Studio in New Orleans with a producer and some of the finest musicians, Little Richard laid down a stunning succession of rock and roll sides over the next several years, including “Rip It Up,” “Slippin’ and Slidin’,” “Lucille,” “Jenny Jenny” and “Keep a Knockin’,” in addition to the songs previously mentioned. He also appeared in rock and roll-themed movies such as Don’t Knock the Rock and The Girl Can’t Help It in 1956.
The bubble burst in late 1957 when, succumbing to the rigors of fame and personal conflicts engendered by his religious upbringing, Little Richard abruptly abandoned rock and roll to enroll in Bible college. However, he was lured back by the British Invasion in 1964, regaining his popularity as a concert performer and a living embodiment of the music’s roots in the Fifties. He has launched successful comebacks in every decade since and remains an active performer and icon - and an inimitable reminder of the joyful frenzy that galvanized rock and roll.
Today
It's Little Richard. 1964 UK TV Show
My Reaction
I really think Little Richard is an awesome character. Despite growing up in a harsh environment and practically being disowned, he remained optimistic, largely due to Church influence. I'm not sure I could have kept my head above dark waters like he did.
I'm glad that his music was not discriminated against because of racism. Shows just how popular rock n' roll was among all people.
I thought it was interesting how the entire crowd has seats and is sitting down in the video. Today, everyone would be be screaming and standing on bleachers.
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Jessica Kastello
Hour 6Project 19