Little Richard's Life In 10 Songs

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Little Richard photographed in 1966. AP hide caption

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Little Richard photographed in 1966.

AP

Today we celebrate the life of the self-proclaimed innovator, originator and architect of rock and roll, Little Richard. Richard Penniman died on May 9 from bone cancer at the age of 87. We take a look at his remarkable life, breaking racial and gender barriers in the 1950s. His hit songs and electrifying performances changed the course of music and influenced Elvis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, James Brown, Bob Dylan, Prince, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, and so many others.

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Little Richard Made Music Vibrate In All The Right Ways

NPR Music's Senior Director Lauren Onkey and I look at his life through the lens of 10 songs.

1. "Tutti Frutti" (1955)

2. "Long Tall Sally" (1956)

3. "Get Rich Quick" (1952)

4. "Slippin' and Slidin' (Peepin' and Hidin')"(1956)

5. "The Girl Can't Help It" (1956)

6. "Lucille" (1957)

7. "Keep A Knockin'" (1957)

8. "Every Time I Feel The Spirit" (1960)

9. "I Don't Know What You've Got But It's Got Me" (1965)

10. "Freedom Blues" (1970)