Little Richard - Here's Little Richard (1957)

"Keep a Knockin'" by Little Richard


There was one artist James Brown looked up to the most in his formative years and that was Little Richard.  Not only was Richard James's idol but also helped The Flames get a record deal through manager Clint Brantley.  And Brown always carried around a napkin on which Little Richard wrote "Please, Please, Please" of which he was determined to make a hit single.

Richard Penniman grew up in the church and the nightclub and influenced his interest in performing both Gospel and Rhythm and Blues.  The mix would knot his signature yell and impassioned vocals as Little Richard.  He wallowed in some unsurprising Rhythm and Blues for half a year, but the time he'd spent touring on the chitlin' circuit forged his style.  All the work led to his breakout hit single "Tutti Frutti" in 1955, the first of a string of million-selling records.  His effeminate demeanor and make up broke down some of the racial barriers in the South (he appeared less threatening), while his brand of rock brought both black and white audiences to his performances.  He helped break rock and roll onto the pop charts as well instead of just being relegated to the R&B charts.  His charisma also made him a sought commodity to feature in the rock films of the era.  His debut album Here's Little Richard released in 1957 packaged many of hit singles and remains a crowning achievement of Little Richard at the peak of his powers.

Here is the discography surrounding Little Richard's debut album:

Taxi Blues (1951 single)
Thinkin' 'Bout My Mother (1952 single)
Why Did You Leave Me? (1952 single)
Please Have Mercy on Me (1952 single)
Ain't That Good News (1953 single)
Always (1954 single)
Tutti Frutti (1955 single)
Long Tall Sally (1956 single)
Little Richard's Boogie (1956 single)
Rip It Up (1956 single)
Heeby-Jeebies (1956 single)
The Girl Can't Help It (1956 single)
Lucille (1957 single)
Jenny, Jenny (1957 single)
Keep a Knockin' (1957 single)
Maybe I'm Right (1957 single)
The Formative Years 1951-1953 (compilation album)
Here's Little Richard

"Long Tall Sally" and "Tutti Frutti" by Little Richard from "Don't Knock the Rock"


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