Little Richard, born Richard Wayne Penniman in 1932, was a pioneering musician and songwriter who helped shape the sound and style of early rock and roll music. He was known for his wild, flamboyant persona, high-energy performances, and signature vocal style, which combined gospel, R&B, and boogie-woogie influences. Little Richard’s music had a profound impact on the genre and his influence can still be heard in the work of countless musicians today. In this context, a list of the top 10 Little Richard songs serves as a celebration of his life and career and a testament to his enduring legacy.
This list is by no means exhaustive, as Little Richard’s catalog is vast and his influence on popular music is immeasurable. However, the songs included in this list were chosen for their significance in the development of rock and roll music, their lasting impact on popular culture, and their continued popularity among music fans of all ages. From his early hits like “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally” to his later ballads like “Crying in the Chapel,” Little Richard’s music showcased a dynamic range of emotions and styles, cementing his place as one of the most important figures in the history of rock and roll.
1. “Tutti Frutti” By:Little Richard
“Tutti Frutti” is a classic rock and roll song written by Little Richard and first recorded in 1955. The song is known for its catchy and upbeat melody, which is driven by a strong rhythm section and Little Richard’s powerful vocals. The lyrics are a playful and colorful celebration of food, love, and partying, with lines like “A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-lop-bam-boom” becoming iconic catchphrases of the rock and roll era. “Tutti Frutti” was a major hit and helped establish Little Richard as one of the most influential and innovative musicians of his time, paving the way for countless rock and roll artists to come.
2. “Good Golly Miss Molly” By:Little Richard
“Good Golly Miss Molly” is another iconic rock and roll song by Little Richard, released in 1958. The song features Little Richard’s signature energetic and exuberant vocals, backed by a driving rhythm section and a catchy piano riff. The lyrics celebrate a woman named Miss Molly, who is described as “rockin’ and rollin'” and “shouting for more.” With its infectious beat and enthusiastic performance, “Good Golly Miss Molly” quickly became a hit and has since become a staple of rock and roll and pop culture. The song is a testament to Little Richard’s pioneering influence on the genre and his lasting legacy as a musical icon.
3. “Long Tall Sally” By:Little Richard
“Long Tall Sally” is a classic rock and roll song by Little Richard, originally released in 1956. The song is driven by a pounding beat, raw guitar riffs, and Little Richard’s dynamic vocals, which combine soulful crooning with powerful shouts and wails. The lyrics are a playful celebration of a tall and slim woman named Sally, who is described as “built for speed” and “just like a ball of fire.” “Long Tall Sally” was a major hit and has since become a rock and roll standard, covered by countless artists across genres. The song is a testament to Little Richard’s revolutionary impact on rock and roll and his enduring legacy as a music icon.
4. “Rip It Up” By:Little Richard
“Rip It Up” is a classic rock and roll song by Little Richard, originally released in 1956. The song is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and Little Richard’s electrifying vocals, which blend soulful crooning with frenzied screams and shouts. The lyrics are a call to action, encouraging listeners to let loose and dance to the rhythm of the music. “Rip It Up” was a significant hit for Little Richard and has since become a rock and roll standard, covered by many artists across genres. The song is a testament to Little Richard’s influential role in shaping the sound and style of early rock and roll music.
5. “Ready Teddy” By:Little Richard
“Ready Teddy” is a classic rock and roll song by Little Richard, released in 1956. The song is characterized by its fast tempo, infectious beat, and Little Richard’s high-energy vocals, which alternate between crooning and screaming. The lyrics encourage listeners to get up and dance, with lines like “Ready, set, go man go!” and “I’m gonna rock this joint tonight.” “Ready Teddy” showcases Little Richard’s signature style of blending R&B, gospel, and boogie-woogie, and is a prime example of the raw, rebellious spirit of early rock and roll music. The song has since become a staple of rock and roll history and a testament to Little Richard’s pioneering influence on the genre.
6. “Crying in the Chapel” By:Little Richard
“Crying in the Chapel” is a soulful and gospel-inspired ballad originally written by Artie Glenn and recorded by various artists, including Little Richard in 1963. The song features a slower tempo and a more subdued vocal style compared to Little Richard’s signature rock and roll hits. The lyrics center on a spiritual and emotional theme of seeking solace in prayer, asking for guidance and forgiveness. Little Richard’s interpretation of the song showcases his versatility as a singer, demonstrating his ability to convey deep emotions and convey a sense of faith and spirituality. “Crying in the Chapel” remains a classic example of the crossover between gospel and popular music.
7. “That Girl Can’t Help It” By:Little Richard
“That Girl Can’t Help It” is a classic rock and roll song by Little Richard, released in 1956. The song is characterized by its lively tempo, catchy melody, and Little Richard’s dynamic and soulful vocals. The lyrics celebrate a woman who possesses an irresistible and hypnotic allure, with lines like “She shakes all over like a jelly fish” and “She knows she’s got everything a woman needs to get a man.” “That Girl Can’t Help It” showcases Little Richard’s signature style of blending R&B, gospel, and boogie-woogie, and remains a testament to his influential role in shaping the sound and style of early rock and roll music.
8. “Slippin’ and Slidin’” By:Little Richard
“Slippin’ and Slidin'” is a classic rock and roll song by Little Richard, originally released in 1956. The song is characterized by its infectious and upbeat tempo, driving drumbeat, and Little Richard’s energetic and soulful vocals. The lyrics are a playful celebration of love and romance, with lines like “I’ve been to the east, I’ve been to the west, but you’re the one I love the best.” “Slippin’ and Slidin'” showcases Little Richard’s signature style of blending R&B, gospel, and boogie-woogie, and remains a prime example of the raw, rebellious spirit of early rock and roll music. The song has since become a rock and roll classic and a testament to Little Richard’s influential role in shaping the sound and style of the genre.
9. “Keep A-Knockin’” By:Little Richard
“Keep A-Knockin'” is a classic rock and roll song by Little Richard, originally released in 1957. The song is driven by a boisterous beat, a rollicking piano riff, and Little Richard’s powerful and dynamic vocals. The lyrics are a call to action, urging listeners to come to the party, get up and dance, and “keep a-knockin’ but you can’t come in.” “Keep A-Knockin'” showcases Little Richard’s signature style of high-energy, rhythmic music and his ability to create a party atmosphere that energizes listeners. The song has since become a rock and roll classic and remains a testament to Little Richard’s enduring legacy in the history of popular music.
10. “Lucille” By:Little Richard
“Lucille” is a classic rock and roll song by Little Richard, released in 1957. The song is characterized by its lively and infectious tempo, a driving beat, and Little Richard’s dynamic and soulful vocals. The lyrics center on a woman named Lucille, who is causing the narrator all kinds of trouble and heartache, with lines like “Lucille, please come back where you belong” and “You took my heart and you left me alone.” “Lucille” showcases Little Richard’s signature style of blending R&B, gospel, and boogie-woogie, and remains a classic example of the high-energy, rhythmic music that he helped popularize in the early days of rock and roll. The song has since become a rock and roll standard and a testament to Little Richard’s enduring influence on popular music.
Simon Robinson 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.
