Little Richard brought a sheer exhilaration that was sexual, spiritual, and joyous and put it to music like no other. Lisa Cortés excellent documentary does the man justice.
Teddy and the Rough Riders’ homage “Hey Richard” is a somewhat sedate number that sways more than rocks. The song captures Little Richard’s sweetness.
Little Richard is remembered best for his groundbreaking run of 1950s hits, but the late "Tutti Frutti" belter sporadically recorded gems over his last 50 years.
Grammy-winner Billy Vera spent years working in the Speciality Records vaults and remains close to label founder Art Rupe. “Specialty is right up there with Atlantic, Chess, and Sun in terms of being important.” Enjoy this interview with the author and this book excerpt.
Humorists have served as the conscience of cultures ever since (and before) court jesters ridiculed omnipotent royalty for its hypocrisy, pomposity, and corruption. Punk continues to fulfill that essential social role in relation to the powers-that-be of the modern world.
