3. Little Richard
Little Richard is widely regarded as the “Architect of Rock and Roll”. He was born in 1932 in Macon, Georgia. He began his musical career in the late 1940s when he started performing in local clubs and traveling shows. He signed with Specialty Records in 1955 and released his first hit song, “Tutti Frutti”, which was a breakthrough for rock and roll music with its explosive vocals, frenetic piano playing, and wild lyrics. He soon became one of the most influential and flamboyant rock and roll artists with his high-energy performances, colorful costumes, and outrageous personality.
Some of his most famous songs include “Long Tall Sally”, “Lucille”, “Good Golly Miss Molly”, “Rip It Up”, “The Girl Can’t Help It”, and “Keep A Knockin’”. He also appeared in several movies, such as The Girl Can’t Help It (1956), Don’t Knock the Rock (1956), Mister Rock and Roll (1957), and Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986). He sold over 30 million records worldwide and won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He died in 2020 at the age of 87.
Little Richard is considered to be one of the most influential and innovative figures in the history of rock music. He pioneered the use of falsetto vocals, syncopated rhythms, boogie-woogie piano, and saxophone solos in rock and roll music. He also introduced elements of gospel, soul, funk, and R&B to rock and roll music. He influenced many other artists, such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Prince, Elton John, David Bowie, and more. He also had a huge impact on the culture and society of his time. He challenged the racial and sexual norms of the 1950s and 1960s with his music and identity. He also inspired many people to express themselves freely and creatively.