Little Richard, born Richard Wayne Penniman, was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who became known as one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. He started his career in the early 1950s and quickly gained popularity for his energetic performances and unique vocal style. Hits like “Tutti Frutti,” “Long Tall Sally,” and “Good Golly Miss Molly” helped define the rock and roll genre and solidified Little Richard’s status as a music legend.
Little Richard’s style was characterized by his flamboyant stage presence, wild hairstyles, and colorful outfits, as well as his use of a piano as the lead instrument in his band. His music often featured catchy melodies and lyrics that celebrated freedom, love, and fun, and his influence can be heard in the work of many rock and roll and soul artists who came after him.
Throughout his career, Little Richard faced challenges due to his race, sexuality, and outspoken personality, but he remained a trailblazer and icon in the music industry. His contributions to the development of rock and roll music have earned him numerous accolades, including inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Even after his passing in 2020, Little Richard’s music continues to inspire and entertain generations of music fans around the world.
1. Long Tall Sally
“Long Tall Sally” is a rock and roll song by Little Richard, released in 1956. The song is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rock and roll tracks of all time. It has a fast tempo and features Little Richard’s frenzied vocals and piano playing, along with a catchy chorus and driving rhythm. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Beatles, who included their own version on their second album “With the Beatles.” The song has remained a staple of rock and roll and continues to be celebrated for its high energy and its place in the history of the genre.
2. Lucille
“Lucille” is a classic rock and roll song released by Little Richard in 1957. The song features a driving beat and Little Richard’s distinctive vocals, which showcase his wild and energetic performance style. The lyrics tell the story of a man who wakes up to find that his wife has left him, and he is left to reflect on the mistakes he made in their relationship. The song’s memorable chorus, which repeats the name “Lucille” several times, has become a classic rock and roll catchphrase. “Lucille” is considered one of Little Richard’s most popular and enduring songs, and has been covered by many other artists over the years.
3. Tutti Frutti
“Tutti Frutti” is a classic rock and roll song originally recorded by Little Richard in 1955. It features a lively and catchy melody, with Little Richard’s energetic vocals and distinctive piano playing driving the rhythm. The song’s lyrics are light-hearted and playful, with a focus on fun and dancing. “Tutti Frutti” is considered a seminal track in the development of rock and roll music, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its popularity and enduring legacy make it an important piece of music history and a beloved classic to this day.
4. Keep A-Knockin’ (But You Can’t Come In)
“Keep A-Knockin’ (But You Can’t Come In)” is a classic rock and roll song originally recorded by Louis Jordan in 1939. The song was later covered by various artists, including Little Richard, who had a hit with it in 1957. The song features a driving beat and catchy lyrics about a lover who is trying to come back into the singer’s life, but is ultimately turned away. It is considered a quintessential example of early rock and roll and has been covered by many other artists over the years. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its catchy melody and its status as a classic rock and roll standard.
5. The Girl Can’t Help It
“The Girl Can’t Help It” is a classic rock and roll song recorded by Little Richard in 1956. The song is a lively and upbeat track, featuring Richard’s signature raspy vocals and his iconic piano playing. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is irresistible to men and always causing trouble wherever she goes. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has become a staple of rock and roll music. Its catchy melody and energetic rhythm make it a perfect example of the genre, and it remains a beloved classic today.
6. Rip It Up
“Rip It Up” is a rock and roll classic written by John Marascalco and Robert Blackwell and recorded by Little Richard in 1956. The song features a rollicking piano riff, hard-driving beat, and Little Richard’s signature wailing vocals. With its catchy melody and high-energy performance, “Rip It Up” became a huge hit, reaching #1 on the R&B charts and #17 on the pop charts. It has since been covered by countless artists and has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, cementing its place in the pantheon of early rock and roll classics.
7. Slippin’ And Slidin’
“Slippin’ and Slidin'” is a classic rock and roll song written and performed by Little Richard in 1956. The upbeat tempo and playful lyrics convey the joy and spontaneity of early rock and roll. The song features Little Richard’s signature falsetto voice and piano playing, along with a dynamic saxophone solo. Its catchy melody and lively rhythm have made it a favorite among rock and roll enthusiasts for decades, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years. “Slippin’ and Slidin'” is considered one of Little Richard’s most iconic and influential songs, and it has helped solidify his status as one of the founding fathers of rock and roll.
8. Ready Teddy
“Ready Teddy” is a high-energy rock and roll song recorded by Little Richard in 1956. It features Little Richard’s distinctive vocal style, complete with screams, whoops, and grunts. The song’s lyrics are simple, focusing on the excitement and energy of dancing to rock and roll music. The instrumentation is lively, with a driving beat and a prominent piano riff. “Ready Teddy” quickly became a hit and is considered a classic example of early rock and roll. Its influence can be heard in the music of countless rock artists who came after Little Richard, and it remains a beloved and iconic song in the history of rock and roll.
9. Jenny, Jenny
“Jenny, Jenny” is a classic rock and roll song originally performed by Little Richard in 1957. The song’s infectious beat and Little Richard’s energetic vocals made it an instant hit and a staple of the rock and roll genre. The song features a call-and-response style chorus, with Little Richard exclaiming “Jenny, Jenny, Jenny, won’t you come along with me?” and the backup singers responding with “You know I love you, and I’ll always be true.” The song’s upbeat rhythm and catchy melody continue to make it a beloved classic among rock and roll fans.
10. Bama Lama Bama Loo
“Bama Lama Bama Loo” is a rock and roll song recorded by Little Richard in 1964. The song is a fast-paced, high-energy track that features Little Richard’s signature screaming vocals and driving piano playing. The lyrics tell the story of a dance party that gets wild and crazy, with everyone joining in and having a good time. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious beat have made it a popular track for decades, and it has been covered by many artists over the years. “Bama Lama Bama Loo” is a classic example of Little Richard’s distinctive style and his influence on the development of rock and roll music.