A Wop Bop A Loo Mop A Lop Bam Boom
I wasn't planning on coming out of retirement so soon, but Little Richard passing away is a big deal. If you look at my blogger profile, you'll see they ask for my favorite music acts--I listed five, and one of them was Little Richard.
The forefathers of rock and roll include Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Elvis Presley and a number of others, but Little Richard was as great as any, and was the best pure rock and roll singer of them all. He also wrote a lot of his classics.
While he had a lengthy career, almost all his best and most important recordings were done in the second half of the 50s. Almost every single he recorded then was a classic--his records had a sound that wouldn't let you down. (Warning--he rerecorded most of his hits, and while these versions aren't bad, they don't compare to the originals.) Here are just a few:
posted by LAGuy @ 10:18 AM
6 Comments:
The architect of rock and roll.
RIP. I had a pleasant conversation with him one time.
Why don't you tell us what he said?
As well as I can remember. Found his phone number through the SAG (so some of what follows is ironic). He was living at a hotel in Beverly Hills
Me: Can I speak to LR? I have a song he might want to sing.
LR (with bad Jamaican accent): He is not here. He is busy with his acting. Did you see his new movie?
Me (slightly confused): Well I am sure I will love him in any movie. But right now I am trying to have him hear my song. I wrote it for my wife but in his voice.
LR (Significant variation in accent off and on.): Well I cannot reach him right now. (Calls out for Richard pauses and answers himself). No he is too busy. Did you know he is planning to do an animated movie?
Me: No, but I am a big big fan. He is the greatest. He has so many great songs.
LR: Thank you. Thank you.
Me: well thank you. Should I sing the song?
LR: no too busy.
Me: Well thanks good to talk with you.
He died on my birthday. And anniversary. Gimme Kimmy was subsequently recorded by a novelty studio group. They sounded more like Journey than Little Richard but the singer did acquiesce to have a couple of high woohoos. And that is the story.
Great story. I remember your song quite well, by the way.
I'm guessing the movie Little Richard referred to was Down And Out In Beverly Hills. He's actually quite good in it.
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