Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock 'n' Roll

A lively, affectionate archival portrait that pulses with great music while carrying a quiet ache of recognition denied.

Directed by

James House

Genres

Music, Documentary

Starring

Little Richard, Big Freedia, Keith Richards

Overview

Little Richard can stake a claim on having invented rock 'n' roll. A black artist who grew up in the segregated south of the United States, Richard Penniman broke down barriers and took 1950s America by storm. The Beatles and The Rolling Stones supported him and drew inspiration from his musicianship and stagecraft. He went on to influence artists as diverse as David Bowie, Elton John, Michael Jackson and Prince. Yet Little Richard spent years feeling his contribution to music had been overlooked in favour of white rock 'n' roll stars like Elvis Presley and Pat Boone. On top of that, the inner conflict between his religious beliefs and the music style he pioneered – as well as his battles with his own sexuality – led him to quit rock 'n' roll not just once, but twice.

How it feels

Earnest, melancholic, uplifting and warm. Brisk and needs your attention.

About

Music, race, identity, faith

Content

Mild sexual content and language. No violence or gore.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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