The Architect of Rock and Roll
Richard Wayne Penniman, known to the world as Little Richard, was born on December 5, 1932, in Macon, Georgia. His journey from a young boy in the Deep South to a global music icon is nothing short of legendary.
Growing up in a family of 12 children, Richard was surrounded by music from an early age. He learned gospel music in Pentecostal churches, which laid the foundation for his future musical style. As a teenager, he left home to perform rhythm and blues in medicine shows and nightclubs, where he adopted the stage name “Little Richard”.
Little Richard’s breakthrough came in 1955 with the release of “Tutti Frutti,” a song that became an instant hit and crossed over to the pop charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. His energetic performances, characterized by frenetic piano playing and powerful raspy vocals, laid the groundwork for rock and roll. Hits like “Long Tall Sally,” “Rip It Up,” and “Good Golly, Miss Molly” followed, solidifying his place in music history.
Little Richard’s influence extended far beyond his own recordings. He was one of the first black artists to reach audiences of all races, breaking down racial barriers in the music industry. His music and charismatic showmanship inspired countless artists, including Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and David Bowie. Richard’s contributions to music were recognized with numerous awards, including his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1993.
In the 1960s, Richard took a hiatus from rock and roll to focus on his religious beliefs, but he eventually returned to the stage, continuing to perform and influence new generations of musicians. Little Richard passed away on May 9, 2020, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in the world of music.
Little Richard’s life and career were a testament to his incredible talent and enduring impact on popular music. His contributions to rock and roll will forever be remembered and celebrated.
Sock Hop Saturday Night with Bruce Vasbinder
Originating in the 1950s, the sock hop was a social dance put on normally by school groups. Because they were usually held in gymnasiums, shoes were forbidden, and the dancers danced in their socks.
Join me every Saturday night at 8pm on KNCT as we bring back the music that was the heart and soul of that wonderful tradition. In the meantime, check out past episodes below.
As always, be sure to keep a little Doo-wop in your heart and it will put a smile on your face.
Episode 708 Playlist
Hour One
| She’s Loves To Rock | The Flairs |
| Dance, Dance, Dance | Pearl and the Deltairs |
| Dance Girl | Lewis Lymon & The Teenchords |
| Dance by the Light of the Moon | The Olympics |
| Pony Time | Chubby Checker |
| Keep On Dancing | Hank Ballard & The Midnighters |
| Let’s Dance | Chris Montez |
| You Can’t Sit Down | The Dovells |
| I Want You | Shirley Gunter & The Flairs |
| I Only Have Eyes For You | The Flamingos |
| For Your Love | The Wanderers |
| When We Get Married | The Dreamlovers |
| Groovy Little Suzy | Little Richard |
| Don’t Try | The Tangiers |
| Put Me Down | Jerry Lee Lewis |
| Hey Pretty Baby | Colin Cook |
| Stockings and Shoes | Eddie Cochran |
| Love and Kisses | Janis Martin |
| Matchbox | Carl Day |
| Tennessee Bird Walk | Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan |
| Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport | Rolf Harris |
| The Twist | Chubby Checker |
| Big Bad John | Jimmy Dean |
Hour Two
| Rock And Roll Is Here To Stay | Danny & The Juniors |
| Blue Suede Shoes | Carl Perkins |
| Ain’t That A Shame | Fats Domino |
| Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu | Huey “Piano” Smith |
| I Got A Woman | Ray Charles |
| Shtiggy Boom | Joe Houston |
| I’ll Never Forget Last Night | Peggy March |
| Puff, The Magic Dragon | Peter, Paul & Mary |
| Blowin’ In The Wind | Peter, Paul & Mary |
| Don’t Mess With Bill | The Marvelettes |
| Tonight’s The Night | The Shirelles |
| Get A Job | The Silhouettes |
| Twist And Shout | The Isley Brothers |
| Oh Gee, Oh Gosh | The Kodaks |
| Back In The U.S.A. | Chuck Berry |
| Tequila | The Champs |
| Poison Ivy | The Coasters |
| Surfin U.S.A. | The Beach Boys |
| Tell Him | The Exciters |
| Dream Lover | Bobby Darin |
| He’s A Rebel | The Crystals |
| Stay | Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs |
| Goodnight | The Elegants |
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