It’s hard to argue with Little Richard’s stance. “Rock ‘n’ roll” was originally a euphemism for sex, and in his energy, his falsetto “woohs!” and pounding piano, Little Richard per… See more

Richard Wayne Penniman was born on December 5, 1932, in Macon, Georgia. The … See more

More hits followed: “Long Tall Sally,” “Slippin’ and Slidin’,” “Rip It Up,” “Lucille,” “Keep a-Knockin’ ” – 17 songs through 1958, including three R&B No. 1s. His live shows wer… See more

Aside from music, Little Richard’s most noted ambivalence was in his attitude toward his sexuality. In the early days, he covered by “exaggerating his freakishness,” writes Jim … See more