Awop Bop Aloo Mop

Little Richard: A Life of Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll...and Religion

By: Tina Andrews

Narrated by: Sean Crisden

As much music history as biography, Awop Bop Aloo Mop celebrates "Little" Richard Wayne Penniman, who burst onto the American scene in 1955 with his mega-hit "Tutti Frutti."

Almost by himself, Little Richard wrote the anti-rules and poured the concrete for the foundation of a new musical art form he created. Alan Freed would call it "Rock & Roll." Dubbing himself "The Architect of Rock & Roll," Little Richard was known for his wild, flamboyant performances and outrageous costumes. He was one of the first artists to make the androgynous look popular, and his influence could be experienced in the music and performances of Mick Jagger, The Beatles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, James Brown, and David Bowie. But Little Richard also had demons he struggled with throughout his career—his complicated relationship with his sexual orientation, and its effect on his faith.

He helped solidify The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Billy Preston, and The Beatles as major acts who used his onstage antics for their success. A terrible car crash sidelined Little Richard for months, causing him to miss his own induction into the first Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 for his contribution to music. But he later appeared in movies, television shows, and tours, showing everyone why he remains the "Originator, the Innovator, and the Architect of Rock & Roll."

©2020 Tina Andrews Limited (P)2022 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

This was a great read!!

I wish I were born in those times to witness him perform in person!!! Rest easy Richard!!

THOSE were the days...

I'm 78, and in today's scary world of (you know what) it's more enjoyable to reflect on, and remember the past, than it is to worry about and try to predict an uncertain future.

If YOU want to take a trip down memory lane that I'm sure you will remember and relate to, I highly recommend that you listen to this audio book.

I promise, the story about the life of Little Richard will be one you'll recall and now remember for the rest of your life.

Because... THOSE were the days... Awop bop aloo mop, balop, bam boom!

Excellent, compact, and overdue write up!

I very much appreciated that Richards antics did not overshadow his art, as it so often does in reviews & reports about him. The author was clearly invested without being bias. One of the better biographies I've read!

A BEAUTIFUL STORY OF A BEAUTIFUL MAN

Little Richard is an integral part of my early years. Synonymous with the soundtrack of my life. This book is very well written and narrated in a way that makes his story come alive.

Short and sweet!

This bio is a comprehensive picture of the life of a complicated and incomparable entertainer.