Special Edition: Little Richard Tribute 5/9/20

Richard Penniman passed away today at the age of 87. Of course, we remember him by his stage name, Little Richard.

It's hard to post anything about him without either leaving something out...or sounding obvious and trite...so instead, I'll leave it up to Variety Magazine: https://variety.com/…/…/little-richard-dead-dies-1234602762/

For me, it's interesting to note that even though the vast majority of his music was recorded in the 50s and 60s—inspiring countless performers who came after him--he did have one final hit record in 1970 that many people outside of the urban centers of the US have probably forgotten about...or never heard in the first place.

“Freedom Blues” is noteworthy because Little Richard tried something new: something a lot more soulful...and socially conscious. The stylistic choice was a surprise to many...but it cracked the Top 50 on 2 charts: #28 on Billboard's Soul Chart, and #47 on the Hot 100.

I'm linking it up here as a “Great Song of the '70s,” because, even though it's a bit obscure, everything Little Richard did was great! Rest in Peace—or Rip It Up—Your choice, Mr. Penniman

And speaking of Ripping It Up (1956):