Little Richard was one of the most influential and iconic figures of the early rock and roll era, known for his electrifying performances, dynamic vocals, and flamboyant style. With his distinctive voice and piano-playing skills, he helped shape the sound of rock and roll and inspired generations of musicians. Over the course of his career, Little Richard released multiple albums and produced numerous hits that continue to be beloved by fans around the world. From his early days as a gospel singer to his later success as a rock and roll pioneer, Little Richard remained a force of nature, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of musicians. In this article, we will explore the best Little Richard songs of all time, delving into their origins, significance, and why they remain timeless classics. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to his music, this list is sure to remind you of the incredible talent and influence of Little Richard and why his songs continue to be some of the most iconic and influential in music history. So, sit back, turn up the volume, and let’s take a journey through some of the greatest Little Richard songs ever recorded.
1. “Tutti-Frutti” (1955)
“Tutti Frutti” is an iconic rock and roll song recorded by Little Richard in 1955. The song features a memorable refrain that has become a pop culture catchphrase: “A wop bop a loo bop a lop bam boom!” The song’s upbeat tempo and Little Richard’s frenzied vocals make it an energetic and infectious tune. The lyrics themselves are filled with colorful, playful imagery and playful innuendo, showcasing Little Richard’s unique style and personality. “Tutti Frutti” was a massive hit upon its release and has remained a beloved classic of rock and roll history ever since.
2. “Long Tall Sally (The Thing)” (1956)
“Long Tall Sally” is a rock and roll classic recorded by Little Richard in 1956. The song’s driving rhythm, energetic vocals, and catchy lyrics helped make it an instant hit, and it has since become a staple of the rock and roll canon. Little Richard’s playful and charismatic personality shines through in the lyrics, which tell the story of a “long tall Sally” who is causing a stir wherever she goes. The song’s infectious melody and upbeat tempo make it impossible to sit still while listening to it, and it remains a timeless classic of the genre.
3. “Slippin’ and Slidin’” (1956)
“Slippin’ and Slidin'” is a classic rock and roll tune recorded by Little Richard in 1956. The song’s bluesy melody and driving rhythm create a sense of urgency and energy, while Little Richard’s dynamic vocals bring the lyrics to life. The song’s lyrics, which describe the thrill of dancing and the chaos of a crowded dance floor, capture the youthful exuberance and excitement of the rock and roll era. “Slippin’ and Slidin'” is a testament to Little Richard’s incredible talent as a musician and performer, and it remains a beloved classic of the genre to this day.
4. “Ready Teddy” (1956)
“Ready Teddy” is a classic rock and roll tune recorded by Little Richard in 1956. The song’s driving rhythm, infectious melody, and catchy lyrics helped make it a hit upon its release, and it has since become a staple of the rock and roll canon. The song’s lyrics, which encourage listeners to let loose and dance, capture the youthful energy and excitement of the era. Little Richard’s frenzied vocals and dynamic piano playing add to the song’s sense of urgency and energy, making it impossible not to move along with the music. “Ready Teddy” is a timeless classic of the rock and roll genre, and it remains a beloved favorite to this day.
5. “Heeby-Jeebies” (1956)
“Heeby-Jeebies” is a classic rock and roll song by Little Richard, released in 1956. With its driving rhythm and infectious melody, the song quickly became a hit, cementing Little Richard’s reputation as one of the most dynamic and influential performers of his time. Its catchy chorus and energetic vocal performance helped make it a staple of rock and roll radio and dance parties for generations to come.
6. “All Around the World” (1956)
Released in 1956, “All Around the World” is a classic rock and roll song that showcases Little Richard’s energetic and soulful vocals. The song’s lyrics describe the singer’s love for a woman who is constantly on his mind no matter where he goes. With its catchy chorus and driving beat, “All Around the World” became an instant hit and remains a beloved classic today. The song’s simple yet effective message of love and longing is universal, making it a timeless addition to any rock and roll playlist.
7. “The Girl Can’t Help It” (1956)
“The Girl Can’t Help It” is a classic rock and roll song that was released in 1956. Written by Bobby Troup and performed by Little Richard, the song tells the story of a woman who is so beautiful that she can’t help but attract attention wherever she goes. Little Richard’s signature wail and the driving beat of the song make it an infectious and fun listen. With its catchy chorus and irresistible melody, “The Girl Can’t Help It” remains a beloved classic of the rock and roll genre, capturing the spirit of the era in which it was created.
8. “Rip It Up” (1956)
“Rip It Up” is a classic rock and roll song that was released in 1956. Written by Robert Blackwell and John Marascalco and performed by Little Richard, the song is an up-tempo celebration of the joy and excitement of rock and roll music. Little Richard’s raw and soulful vocals are perfectly matched by the song’s driving beat and catchy chorus. “Rip It Up” quickly became a hit and remains a beloved classic of the rock and roll genre, encapsulating the energy and exuberance of the era in which it was created.
9. “Send Me Some Lovin’” (1957)
“Send Me Some Lovin'” is a soulful and heartfelt ballad recorded by Little Richard in 1957. The song’s simple melody and lyrics are elevated by Little Richard’s emotional and expressive vocals, which convey a deep longing for love and companionship. The song’s gentle pace and soft instrumentation make it stand out from the upbeat rock and roll hits that Little Richard was known for, showcasing his versatility as a musician and performer. “Send Me Some Lovin'” is a timeless classic that has been covered by countless artists over the years, cementing its place in the history of popular music.
10. “Jenny Jenny” (1957)
“Jenny Jenny” is a classic rock and roll song recorded by Little Richard in 1957. The song’s driving rhythm, catchy melody, and playful lyrics helped make it an instant hit, and it remains a beloved favorite of the genre to this day. Little Richard’s dynamic vocals and frenzied piano playing add to the song’s sense of urgency and excitement, while the lyrics tell the story of a lovelorn protagonist who is searching for his lost love. “Jenny Jenny” is a testament to Little Richard’s incredible talent as a musician and performer, and it remains a timeless classic of the rock and roll era.
11. “Lucille” (1957)
“Lucille” is a classic rock and roll tune recorded by Little Richard in 1957. The song’s driving rhythm, energetic vocals, and catchy lyrics helped make it a massive hit upon its release, and it has since become a staple of the rock and roll canon. Little Richard’s dynamic and charismatic personality shines through in the lyrics, which tell the story of a mischievous and unpredictable woman named Lucille. The song’s infectious melody and upbeat tempo make it impossible not to dance along, and it remains a beloved favorite of rock and roll fans all over the world.
12. “Keep A-Knockin’” (1957)
“Keep A-Knockin'” is a classic rock and roll tune recorded by Little Richard in 1957. The song’s driving rhythm and energetic vocals create a sense of urgency and excitement, while the lyrics encourage listeners to keep knocking on the door of opportunity. Little Richard’s dynamic and expressive vocals add to the song’s sense of urgency and energy, making it impossible not to get caught up in the excitement. “Keep A-Knockin'” is a testament to Little Richard’s incredible talent as a musician and performer, and it remains a timeless classic of the rock and roll genre.
13. “Good Golly, Miss Molly” (1958)
“Good Golly, Miss Molly” is a classic rock and roll song recorded by Little Richard in 1958. The song’s upbeat rhythm, energetic vocals, and catchy lyrics make it an instant hit that remains a beloved favorite of the genre to this day. Little Richard’s dynamic and charismatic personality shines through in the lyrics, which tell the story of a young woman who loves to dance and have a good time. The song’s infectious melody and upbeat tempo make it impossible not to dance along, and it remains a testament to Little Richard’s incredible talent as a musician and performer.
14. “Ooh! My Soul” (1958)
“Ooh! My Soul” is a classic rock and roll tune recorded by Little Richard in 1958. The song’s driving rhythm, energetic vocals, and catchy lyrics create a sense of excitement and energy that is impossible to resist. Little Richard’s dynamic and expressive vocals add to the song’s sense of urgency and power, making it a standout hit of the genre. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is overwhelmed by the power of music and its ability to bring people together. “Ooh! My Soul” is a timeless classic of rock and roll that showcases Little Richard’s incredible talent and passion for music.
15. “Kansas City”/”Hey Hey Hey Hey” (1959)
“Kansas City” and “Hey Hey Hey Hey” are two classic rock and roll songs recorded by Little Richard in 1959. Both songs feature Little Richard’s dynamic and charismatic vocals, along with driving rhythms and catchy melodies that are impossible not to dance along to. “Kansas City” tells the story of a man who is searching for his lover in Kansas City, while “Hey Hey Hey Hey” is a playful and energetic tune that celebrates the power of music and its ability to bring people together. Both songs remain beloved favorites of the rock and roll genre, and a testament to Little Richard’s incredible talent as a musician and performer.
16. “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” (1959)
“By the Light of the Silvery Moon” is a classic rock and roll tune recorded by Little Richard in 1959. The song’s gentle pace and soft instrumentation create a sense of nostalgia and longing, while Little Richard’s expressive and emotional vocals convey a deep sense of love and tenderness. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is reminiscing about a past love and longing to be reunited with her. “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” showcases Little Richard’s versatility as a musician and performer, and remains a timeless classic of the genre.
17. “Bama Lama Bama Loo” (1964)
“Bama Lama Bama Loo” is a classic rock and roll song recorded by Little Richard in 1964. The song’s driving rhythm, energetic vocals, and catchy lyrics create a sense of excitement and energy that is impossible not to dance along to. Little Richard’s dynamic and expressive vocals add to the song’s sense of urgency and power, making it a standout hit of the genre. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is irresistible to the singer, and he just can’t get enough of her. “Bama Lama Bama Loo” is a testament to Little Richard’s incredible talent and passion for music.
18. “I Don’t Know What You’ve Got but It’s Got Me” (1965)
“I Don’t Know What You’ve Got but It’s Got Me” is a soulful and emotional ballad recorded by Little Richard in 1965. The song’s simple melody and heartfelt lyrics are elevated by Little Richard’s expressive and passionate vocals, which convey a deep sense of longing and desire.
19. “I Need Love” (1967)
“I Need Love” is a soulful ballad that was released in 1967 by American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke. The song showcases Cooke’s signature smooth and emotive vocals, expressing a longing for love and companionship. The lyrics describe the singer’s desire for someone to hold him close and chase away his fears and insecurities. With its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics, “I Need Love” remains a timeless classic that speaks to the universal human need for love and connection.
20. “Freedom Blues” (1970)
“Freedom Blues” is a powerful protest song that was released in 1970 by American singer-songwriter Little Richard. The song speaks to the struggles of the civil rights movement and the fight for freedom and equality. Little Richard’s signature wail and the driving beat of the song create a sense of urgency and passion, conveying the importance of the cause. With its powerful lyrics and infectious melody, “Freedom Blues” is a rallying cry for social justice that remains relevant and impactful today.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
