Shelby Willis
000376048
46982
Essay #1
Performer: Little Richard
Career Span: 1951-present
Location: Born on December 5, 1932 in Macon, Georgia.
Band Members: Little Richard was considered a solo artist; however, he intertwined with multiple well-known groups such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Bio:
Richard Wayne Penniman, also known as Little Richard, is known to be one of the craziest, most entertaining leaders of the 1950s. He topped billboards early on and was able to maintain a spot there throughout the majority of his increasingly inspiring career. Despite the opinions of people everywhere, Little Richard’s high-pitched voice mixed with his jaw dropping piano skills greatly influenced the defining moments of rock ‘n’ roll.
He underwent multiple complications within his family during his childhood years, but always stayed true to church and his passion for music. Richard caught what he thought to be his big break with RCA Records in Atlanta nearing the end of 1951. Unfortunately, after creating several blues track with Billy Wright’s Orchestra they flew under the radar and went unnoticed by the public. With the guidance of rock ‘n’ roll and R&B legend, Lloyd Price, Richard took a leap of faith by sending Specialty Records a demo. Much to his surprise, they absolutely loved it. Richard was exactly what the company needed, a man with an undeniable talent on the keys and an electrifying voice to match. Amongst his dozen tracks pumped out in New Orleans, one in particular instantly skyrocketed to the top of billboards in the US. Richard’s success did not halt after the hit release of “Tutti Frutti”, but it continued to grow with the help of a Top 10 hit called “Long Tall Sally.” He continued to bless the world with more head turning lyrics with the releases of “Good Golly Miss Molly” and “Send Me Some Lovin’.” However, Richard switched gears in 1956 when he took part in several early rock films such as Don’t Knock the Rock and The Girl Can’t Help It. He continued to venture away from the life of a typical rock ‘n’ roller when he specifically only recorded gospel music between 1958 and 1962. His career wasn’t quite the same after he took his spiritual leave of absence. The 1960s consisted mainly of Richard performing his old hits; nevertheless the crowds remained faithful. …show more content…
He attempted to claw his way back to the top during the 70s, but even with the help of well-respected producer, Richard Perry, could not make it happen. Little Richard decided it was finally time to hang the microphone up and spent the next ten years preaching all across America. Nonetheless, he had the privilege of being one of the ten original inaugurated into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Today, Richard continues to make appearances in videos, music awards, chat shows, and occasional guest on artist’s records. As of 2012, Little Richard has simmered down due to an unexpected heart attack. Even with medical restraints, fans still take pictures with his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and continue to listen to those once stimulating Little Richard top hits. Song Title: “Long Tall Sally” Song Analysis: “Long Tall Sally” is a positive representation of Little Richard’s musical uproar in the mid 50s, as his undeniable vocals did not go
000376048
46982
Essay #1
Performer: Little Richard
Career Span: 1951-present
Location: Born on December 5, 1932 in Macon, Georgia.
Band Members: Little Richard was considered a solo artist; however, he intertwined with multiple well-known groups such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Bio:
Richard Wayne Penniman, also known as Little Richard, is known to be one of the craziest, most entertaining leaders of the 1950s. He topped billboards early on and was able to maintain a spot there throughout the majority of his increasingly inspiring career. Despite the opinions of people everywhere, Little Richard’s high-pitched voice mixed with his jaw dropping piano skills greatly influenced the defining moments of rock ‘n’ roll.
He underwent multiple complications within his family during his childhood years, but always stayed true to church and his passion for music. Richard caught what he thought to be his big break with RCA Records in Atlanta nearing the end of 1951. Unfortunately, after creating several blues track with Billy Wright’s Orchestra they flew under the radar and went unnoticed by the public. With the guidance of rock ‘n’ roll and R&B legend, Lloyd Price, Richard took a leap of faith by sending Specialty Records a demo. Much to his surprise, they absolutely loved it. Richard was exactly what the company needed, a man with an undeniable talent on the keys and an electrifying voice to match. Amongst his dozen tracks pumped out in New Orleans, one in particular instantly skyrocketed to the top of billboards in the US. Richard’s success did not halt after the hit release of “Tutti Frutti”, but it continued to grow with the help of a Top 10 hit called “Long Tall Sally.” He continued to bless the world with more head turning lyrics with the releases of “Good Golly Miss Molly” and “Send Me Some Lovin’.” However, Richard switched gears in 1956 when he took part in several early rock films such as Don’t Knock the Rock and The Girl Can’t Help It. He continued to venture away from the life of a typical rock ‘n’ roller when he specifically only recorded gospel music between 1958 and 1962. His career wasn’t quite the same after he took his spiritual leave of absence. The 1960s consisted mainly of Richard performing his old hits; nevertheless the crowds remained faithful. …show more content…
He attempted to claw his way back to the top during the 70s, but even with the help of well-respected producer, Richard Perry, could not make it happen. Little Richard decided it was finally time to hang the microphone up and spent the next ten years preaching all across America. Nonetheless, he had the privilege of being one of the ten original inaugurated into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Today, Richard continues to make appearances in videos, music awards, chat shows, and occasional guest on artist’s records. As of 2012, Little Richard has simmered down due to an unexpected heart attack. Even with medical restraints, fans still take pictures with his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and continue to listen to those once stimulating Little Richard top hits. Song Title: “Long Tall Sally” Song Analysis: “Long Tall Sally” is a positive representation of Little Richard’s musical uproar in the mid 50s, as his undeniable vocals did not go