00:00Little Richard was probably the most flamboyant of the early fathers of rock and roll.
00:07Richard's flamboyance, which usually manifested itself in colorful clothing and animated behavior,
00:15also found expression through Richard's claims that he had invented rock and roll music.
00:21Nevertheless, he was a singer, pianist, and songwriter of the highest order,
00:25and one of the most influential figures in rock and roll history.
00:30Richard was born Richard Wayne Penniman in Macon, Georgia, in 1932.
00:36He started his career as an R&B singer and pianist, making his first recording in 1951 with the single, Taxi Blues, which was recorded for RCA.
00:50Richard recorded several more singles before he scored his first big hit with Tutti Frutti in 1955.
00:58The next year would see Richard record a slew of hits, including the classic songs
01:05Long Tall Sally, Slippin' and Slidin', Ready Teddy, and Rip It Up.
01:11In 1957, a full-length album of Richard's songs would appear.
01:18That album was known as Here's Little Richard, one of rock music's first masterpieces.
01:25The album contained all of Richard's hit singles up to that point, and other fine tracks as well.
01:38Another classic album would follow in 1958 with Little Richard, featuring the classic songs
01:47Keepin' Knockin', Good Golly Miss Molly, Lucille, and The Girl Can't Help It.
01:56Richard's popularity and fine piano chops helped him to position the piano as an important instrument in early rock and roll.
02:04In the 1950s, Richard disappeared from the pop music scene as quickly as he had appeared,
02:12turning to Bible studies at a theological college.
02:18He would record only gospel music for the next four years.
02:22Little Richard eventually returned to rock and roll and toured,
02:26and made numerous public appearances up until his passing on May 9, 2020, at the age of 87.
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