Little Richard is a well known African American artist who has largely influenced the music of 20th century. He inspired a large number of artists who consider him their idol. He set the stage for artists like Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Dick Clark and Elvis Presley.
His successful run in the music industry started in the late 1950s with major hits like "Long tally sally" and "Tutti frutti". This prepared the base for rock and roll music. He also introduced the element of "funk" in his music.
His early music was considered rhythm and blues, gospel music and boogie-woogie with emotive vocals in the background. This added a totally different style to his music. He has some major tracks to his credit including "Rip it up", "The girl can't help it", "Slippin' and Slidin'", "Jenny, Jenny", "Keep a Knockin" and "Good golly, miss Molly". In the 1980s and 1990s he recorded extensively for television shows, movies and commercials. He also sang many songs with artists like Hank Williams J., Living color, Elton John, Tanya tucker, Solomon Burke and Jon bon Jovi.
In 2007 his track "All around the world" featured on a Cravendale commercial. In 2007 he appeared on a television show titled "The next best thing". Richard has received many awards. He was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame in 1986. He also received a star on the Hollywood walk of fame. He was given a Grammy award in 1993. The rhythm and blues foundation bestowed the lifetime achievement pioneer award on him. In 1997 he was honored with the American music award of merit. He was inducted into the songwriter’s hall of fame in 2003. He was ranked #8 in the rolling stone compilation of 100 greatest artists of all time.
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