Little Richard
Known by the stage name Little Richard, is an American singer, songwriter and pianist, whose hits in the mid-1950s were defining moments in the development of rock and roll.
Well I'd certainly have to have a tip of the hat to Little Richard. I'd say it's sort of a composite guy, because obviously I love Wilson Pickett, and there are a few guys who have that sort of high, edgy thing, Little Richard being the best and the most famous. Wilson even screamed in tune. My voice came out a certain way and I've learned to be that way.
Little Richard's records were the best Rock 'n' Roll records.
Little Richard - he was the first one that really got to me. Little Richard and, of course, Elvis Presley. I don't know if it was because of James Brown and Little Richard, I always preferred a high energy vocal, a hard full-force vocal. I liked Little Richard better than Elvis, and I liked James Brown better than the Beatles...but the Miracles were a heavy influence on me, too...[though] I always preferred the more energized vocals.
The most exciting moment of my life was appearing on the same stage as Little Richard.
After hearing Little Richard on record, I bought a saxaphone and came into the music business. Little Richard was my inspiration.
I came from a family where my people didn't like rhythm and blues. Bing Crosby - "Pennies from Heaven" - Ella Fitzgerald, was all I heard.
Little Richard is my idol.
Well, long tall Sally, she's built for speed,
She's got everything that uncle John need.
Oh baby, yes baby, woo baby, havin' me some fun tonight.
I wanna introduce a man that started a kind of music that set the pace for a lot of what's happening today. Ladies and gentlemen, if you don't mind, here is my man, bless his little sweet heart, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Little Richard!"
Little Richard is a great originator. He was right there at the start, a thrilling performer.
No one person has been imitated more than Little Richard.
Little Richard, man, was the god! I grew up on Little Richard in the rocking 50's.
The first 45 I ever played was by Little Richard. Even today, I constantly listen to Little Richard.
If it hadn't been for Little Richard, I would not be here. I entered the music business because of Richard - he is my inspiration. I used to sing like Little Richard, his Rock 'n' Roll stuff, you know. Richard has soul, too. My present music has a lot of him in it.
The first Rock 'n' Roll record I listened to was 'The Girl Can't Help It,' by Little Richard.
A lot of songs I sang to crowds to get their reaction. That's how I knew they'd hit.
Well, you know I used to play piano for the church. You know that spiritual, 'Give Me that Old Time Religion', most churches just say, [sings] "Give me that old time religion" but I did, [sings] "Give me that old time, talkin' 'bout religion," you know I put that little thing in it you know, I always did have that thing but I didn't know what to do with the thing I had. So the style has always been with me... I always had my little thing I wanted to let the world hear, you know.
When I was in high school I wanted to be like Little Richard.
Little Richard is twice as valid artistically and important historically as Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones put together.
There would have been no DEEP PURPLE if there had been no Little Richard.