The Life and Times of Little Richard: The Quasar of Rock

by Charles White

"It popped the curlers right off my head. One of the most exciting books I've ever read. So hot I had to read it with gloves on." --Bette Midler

"One of the most spectacular tomes in rock and roll history." --Liz Smith

"The most brutally frank portrait of rock stardom ever written . . . a vivid, exciting picture of what life as a first-generation rock star was all about."
--Philadelphia Inquirer

James Brown called him his idol. Mick Jagger called him the king. Elvis Presley called him the greatest. Otis Redding called him his inspiration. Muhammad Ali called him his favorite singer. Jimi Hendrix said he wanted to do with his guitar what Little Richard did with his voice.

And they all agreed on one thing: Little Richard, more than anyone else, personified the energy of rock'n'roll. Decked out in a mirrored suit, his hair in a high pompadour, his face covered in pancake makeup, and his ferocious eyes mesmerizing the crowd, he stomped, jumped, and screamed his way to the top of the charts with songs like "Rip It Up," "Long Tall Sally," "Good Golly Miss Molly," "Tutti Frutti," and "Slippin' and Slidin'."

Here is the authorized biography of this legendary king of rock'n'roll, now fully updated to include his recent comeback, and including a complete discography and sessionography. Written largely in Richard's own words, but also including testimony from a star-studded cast of family, friends, and fellow musicians, this classic of rock literature tells all--his flamboyant stage antics; his blatant flaunting of racial taboos; his sexual experiences; his bewildering career that careened between show business and the church; and exactly how he created the music that would become a symbol of rebellion for kids all over the world.

Charles White is the author of Killer!, the authorized biography of Jerry Lee Lewis. Dubbed "Dr. Rock" by the British press, he teaches a course on rock history at Scarborough College, and broadcasts regularly on BBC-Radio and BBC-TV. He lives in Scarborough, Yorkshire, England.

Foreword

At last! A book on Little Richard.

I have these fantastic memories from a very early age, singing "Tutti Frutti" at school--it was a big rave at the time. The first song I ever sang in public was "Long Tall Sally," in a Butlins holiday camp talent competition!

When the Beatles were first starting we performed with Richard in Liverpool and Hamburg, and we became close friends. Richard is one of the greatest kings of Rock 'n' Roll. He's a great guy and he's my friend today.
--Paul McCartney