Little Richard

Little Richard was born Richard Wayne Penniman in 1932 in Macon, Georgia. His early musical experience came from singing in his father's church choir, but he soon turned toward rhythm and blues. In 1955, he recorded 'Tutti Frutti,' a song with a driving beat and his distinctive 'wop-bop-a-loo-bop' vocal that became an immediate hit.

That record helped define what would become rock and roll. He followed it with other energetic singles like 'Long Tall Sally' and 'Good Golly Miss Molly,' backed by his band The Upsetters. His flamboyant stage style and uninhibited performances stood out sharply in the 1950s.

He recorded several albums in the late 1950s, including 'Here's Little Richard' and 'The Fabulous Little Richard.' While his commercial peak was relatively brief, those early recordings left a deep imprint on the musicians who followed.