Customer Reviews

The Life And Times Of Little Richard

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Little Richard is such an important figure in 20th-century music that it is crucial that there be a biography of him out there. However, this biography is more a scrapbook than a polished work. Oftentimes, you can't tell when the author, Richard, or an acquaintance is speaking. There is no analysis of the events in Richard's life. This book pales in comparison to texts on Billy Strayhorn, Josephine Baker, etc. This book drags on about concert after concert after concert. Besides, Richard is in his homophobic phase at the time of the book's writing and there is no attempt to put his self-loathing into context. I needed to learn more about Richard, so I am glad this book exists. However, this was a poor piece of autobiography and I am surprised that the author did not take the time to fine tune his work.

The Homewood, IL reviewer (07-08-01) suggested that the author rushed this work. It's been well-documented in print and on radio interviews that the book took many years to write - in fact the author made several trips from England to California to speak one-on-one with The Quasar himself, his former Managers, sidemen, songwriters, and on and on.
What the reviewer is probably most bothered by is the discography section. Yes, it was poorly edited and lacking in some important details - but it's been suggested that the sessiongraphy was conceived to include a running commentary by Little Richard and to account for, perhaps, one-third of the book. It's understandable that such an approach benefits only deep fans and historians, so the proverbial "bottom line" was apparently applied to the project.
Life & Times...is the author's first book and he displayed a fine writing ability, with a colorful descriptive sense. At times, his hyperbolic approach can make the unitiated uneasy, but considering the bombastic style of the subject, it fits.
Although some parts of his career remain in mystery even after this book release, the better-known periods recieve a thorough review: his childhood years involving sexual confusion and a growing awareness that he had something special to offer the music culture; the swingin' R & B years when R & R was confined to clubs; the R & R Revival period when he made a successful "comeback" and convinced many that he had the greatest voice all along; the struggle with drugs in the early '70s leading to an almost overnight clean-up and a rediscovered spirituality.
Richard was not singing Rock and Roll when the hardcover came out in September, 1984. It is believed that this work created a strong enough interest in his career, that a critically acclaimed "Contemporary Christian" album "Lifetime Friend" and a memorable appearance in Paul Mazursky's movie "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" (which included a Richard Top 50 hit for '86) led to his return to Rock in '89. (Which made some folks, who thought he was better situated in the non-secular world, uncomfortable). But there is no doubt that this book filled a major void in the rock music press.

The book gives a good insight into the wild life of Little Richard which rings true but is nonetheless shocking even for an open-minded reader. Yet,I can't help admire the man for giving it his all and the frank disclosure he affords in his book.

There are lurid details (sex, drugs, excrement) of Little Richard's life in the book that might be 'too much information.' As I read, I wondered how I would scrub those sordid images from my mind. Words in the book from Little Richard's own sermons provided balance and relief.

The book has so many direct quotes from Little Richard, that it actually has the flavor of an autobiography. He was unfalteringly honest and frank.

I found this book to be an interesting peek into the mind of someone who is very competitive, as Little Richard was determined to outperform anyone else he was staged with. It also offers insights to the gay community.

He is a beautiful man with an incredible voice. When my children were small, I gave them his album of songs for children and he remains one of their (and mine) favorite performers.

Little Richard is arguably the most influencial recording artist of the 20th century. He influenced the development of funk as a genre (he was heralded by James Brown as his idol), rock n roll, soul and r&b. He is an original inductee into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame AND also one of the first recording artists to receive Pioneer Lifetime Achievement induction into the Rhythm & Blues Foundation's Hall of Fame.

This bio is the only authorized biography of the architect of rock n roll. But TAKE NOTE, it is brutally frank in that it rather graphically highlights his struggles with sexuality sin, as well as drug and alcohol addiction. It takes the reader on a journey that NO OTHER music artist has encountered and lived to tell about it! The angst of the ups and down from life at the top of the music world in the mid-1950s to throwing it all away for born again Christianity, and then a hard backslide that took him down to the seedy underworld of 60s and 70s Los Angeles, and then back into the arms of the Lord is truly inspirational and an amazing testimony!

So, get ready to learn about the start of the most influencial artform of the 20th century - Rock n Roll - and the artist God used to introduce this form of music to the world!

He's Little Richard, for goodness sake! I bought this tell-all book to see if Mr. Pennington really told it all. While he certainly did reveal some details about his private life that we only assumed were true back in his hey-day, I came away with the feeling he did not---or could not---give us all the dirt.

He is still the king...or queen. There will be copies, but never another Little Richard.

I LIKED THIS BOOK,LITTLE RICHARD STARTED ROCK AND ROLL. HE WAS AHEAD OF HIS TIME. WHAT A SHOWMAN. HE PULLS NO PUNCHES AND TELLS IT ALL. GOOD BOOK AND THE PRICE WAS RIGHT.

I've always pondered what type of life Little Richard had growing up, and now since the release of his autobiography, I don't have to ponder anymore. Little Richard had a fascinating life growing up. His mother married his father at age 13, and she became the strength of the family. It's really interesting hearing how he was confronted with the injustice and unfairness during those days. Little Richard was an amazing talent who didn't receive his just dues for his contribution to Rock and Roll, but he always remained positive and should go down in history as one of the greatest song writer and entertainer of all times.

AWOP-BOP-A-LOO-MOP-ALOP-BAM-BOOM---tutti fruitti--good booty---if it don't fit--don't force it---you can grease it---make it easy...... (these were the original words).

Little Richard...Richard glitters like an exotic jewel----dispenser of joyous mayhem. He is the one and only. No one before or after comes close to be as exciting and talented as him. He is a super star.

Richard tells you that he has a big head, tiny body, one short leg, one big eye and one little eye. But look at what he has done with his imperfections. This book ends in 1984 at the time when he had retired from music, being gay and become a preacher...for the 2nd time. We all know that did not last long. He is a born entertainer. He could not give up the life. Be prepared...this book has lots of sexual experiences talk...It can be a little startling (GROSS!).

I liked this book and found it very interesting. I think the author did a fine job. Richard held nothing back from him. Richard was at a Indian casino in my area in 2008 and played to a sold out crowd. He makes you feel good and happy. He is CRAZY. He does not have a sane bone in his body.

* I also suggest you read BROTHER RAY..by Ray Charles. Good book.

i enjoyed this book.it details so much.this man is the true king of rock-n-roll.and he has always been upfront about different subjects.he has had an enormous impact on the music world.this book tells of racisim and the constant battle for respect and truth.this man is a true original.