The Specialty Sessions [BOX SET]

Little Richard (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 2, 1990)
• Original Release Date: 1989
• Number of Discs: 3
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Specialty
• ASIN: B000000QOG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #202,587 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Baby

2. All Night Long

3. She's My Star

4. Lonesome and Blue

5. Wonderin'

6. All Night Long

See all 26 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Slippin' and Slidin'

2. Long Tall Sally

3. Miss Ann

4. Most I Can Offer (Just My Heart)

5. Oh Why?

6. Heeby Jeebies [Alternate Take]

See all 21 tracks on this disc

Disc: 3

1. Jenny, Jenny

2. Good Golly Miss Molly

3. Baby Face

4. Girl Can't Help It

5. Girl Can't Help It

6. By the Light of the Silvery Moon

See all 26 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

To this day, it's "buyer beware" when it comes to the music of Little Richard, who rerecorded most of his late-'50s rock classics numerous times after leaving his original label, Specialty Records (following a brief return), in 1964. Not that some of the other recordings don't have merit, but the Specialty versions are the ones that helped shape rock & roll. This three-disc box set includes everything the artist recorded for the label, which means the hits in addition to alternate takes and just plain nonhits. Historians will find this collection (including several songs in development) fascinating, but more frugal fans may find five versions of "Slippin' and Slidin'" excessive. If that's the case, check out either The Georgia Peach or The Essential..., both more condensed Specialty collections. --Bill Holdship

From Grove Press Guide to Blues on CD

If Chuck Berry didn't invent rock 'n' roll, Little Richard Penniman must have. At least that's the way you'll feel after listening to this indispensable, beautifully annotated three- disc boxed set that contains all seventy-three titles the piano pounder cut for Specialty during his seminal 195~57 period and in his brief 1964 return. The hits are digitally breathtaking, but the obscurities are revelatory-an alternate 'Keep A-Knockin'" with an even more incendiary saxophone solo by Grady Gaines, early workouts on 'Slippin' and Slidin'" that document the development of Richard's version, and hilarious radio spots for Royal Crown Hair Dressing. (B.D.) -- © Frank John Hadley 1993

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Awesome!, September 3, 2004

By	Life Is Worth Living (USA) - See all my reviews

Little Richard is one of the most important figures in the history of rock music, if not the most important. Original, unique, a force of nature. We will never see someone like him again. This boxed set contains his best works, it is essential for any fan of real rock n roll. I count myself privelleged as having had the honor of seeing the man perform live. Even though he was well into his sixties, it is still the best concert I have ever seen. Elvis may be considered the King, but Richard Penniman is right up there with him. This collection is the greatest testament to the majesty of Little Richard. Get it!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Little Richard's first hits are the first 100% R & R hits, March 2, 2000

By	plsilverman (USA) - See all my reviews

I purchased this boxed-set (vinyl) in '89 after I purchased the European version on Ace Records, which contains much more. However, the domestic set remains as perhaps one of the most comprehensive Specialty LR releases - most do not include the final sessions from '64. I believe that "Long Tall Sally" is THE first 100% R & R recording - and remember Elvis & the Beatles relied heavily on this number! And there are many more here equal to "Sally" in Rock & Soul power. Richard recut these tunes many times from '64 to '94, and a few recuts are excellent, but the '50s originals beg to be heard and sound better with time!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The boy can't help it., February 24, 2009

By	Johnny Heering "trivia buff" (Bethel, CT United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Little Richard was one of the founding fathers of rock and roll. He made his reputation with Specialty Records, although he had recorded for other record labels before that, without success. Richard signed with Specialty in 1955 and became a big star upon the release of his first Specialty single, "Tutti Frutti". He had several other hits after that, but at the height of his fame in 1957 he became a born again Christian and quit performing rock and roll. He eventually did return to rock and roll, and recorded a few more songs for Specialty in 1964. This three cd box set includes all the songs Richard recorded for Specialty, plus some alternate takes, rehearsals and demos. These are among the most important recordings from the early days of rock and roll and also among the best.