#227 Little Richard, 'Here’s Little Richard' (1957)

Previously #50

“A-wop-bop-a-loo-mop-a-lop-bam-boom!.” Ten simple nonsensical words that changed the face of music forever. “The Innovator, The Originator, and The Architect of Rock and Roll,” a more perfect title couldn’t have been bestowed on Little Richard. Those words taken from Little Richard’s first hit single, ‘Tutti Frutti,’ which was released in 1955; before Chuck Berry released ‘Roll Over Beethoven,’ before Jerry Lee Lewis released ‘Great Balls Of Fire’ and even before Elvis released ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ (coincidentally ‘Tutti Frutti’ was its B-Side).

While ‘Tutti Frutti’ might be the star of Little Richard’s debut record, the album is filled with Rock ‘n Roll songs that would go on to shape popular music. ‘True, Fine Mama,’ ‘Ready Teddy,’ ‘Slippin’ And Slidin’ (Peepin’ And Hidin’),’ and, of course, ‘Long Tall Sally.’ Amongst other, Little Richard was a major influence on Paul McCartney who adopted his wail in early Beatles songs (the first song on their first album, ‘I Saw Her Standing There’ is a great example of that. ‘She Loves You’ is another one). Another artist who was majorly influenced by Little Richard was Elton John, who adopted his style of piano playing and showmanship. I can already hear a lot of you saying how can an album as important as this one drop 177 spots? Good question, definitely a Top 50 record, if not higher.

#rs500albums