Little Richard
American pianist, singer and performer; final studio album of new recordings released before his death in 2020.
Richard Bartz , Munich aka Makro Freak · CC BY-SA 2.5
Little Richard Meets Masayoshi Takanaka is a collaborative album by American pianist, singer and performer Little Richard and Japanese musician and composer Masayoshi Takanaka. It is the final studio album of new recordings released by Richard before his death in 2020. Released on the Eastworld label in 1992, the record features re-recordings of some of Little Richard's biggest hits.
- died
- May 9, 2020
- field
- Pianist, singer and performer
- nationality
- American
Lore & Background
Little Richard Meets Masayoshi Takanaka was released in 1992 on the Eastworld label. The album is a collaboration between Little Richard and Japanese musician and composer Masayoshi Takanaka. It is the final studio album of new recordings released by Little Richard before his death in 2020. The record features re-recordings of some of Little Richard's biggest hits, including 'Good Golly Miss Molly,' 'Tutti Frutti,' 'Miss Ann,' 'Lucille,' 'Long Tall Sally,' 'Send Me Some Lovin',' 'Jenny, Jenny,' 'Rip It Up,' 'Kansas City / Hey Hey Hey Hey,' and 'Ready Teddy.'
Reader's Guide
Little Richard Meets Masayoshi Takanaka stands as the last studio album of new recordings released by Little Richard before his death in 2020. The 1992 release on the Eastworld label brings together the American pianist, singer and performer with Japanese musician and composer Masayoshi Takanaka. The track listing consists entirely of re-recordings of Little Richard's biggest hits: 'Good Golly Miss Molly' (3:42), 'Tutti Frutti' (3:39), 'Miss Ann' (4:43), 'Lucille' (3:49), 'Long Tall Sally' (3:30), 'Send Me Some Lovin'' (3:32), 'Jenny, Jenny' (3:09), 'Rip It Up' (3:10), 'Kansas City / Hey Hey Hey Hey' (3:52), and 'Ready Teddy' (3:52).
Did You Know?
- Little Richard Meets Masayoshi Takanaka is the final studio album of new recordings released by Little Richard before his death in 2020.
- The album was released on the Eastworld label in 1992.
- It is a collaborative album with Japanese musician and composer Masayoshi Takanaka.
- The record features re-recordings of some of Little Richard's biggest hits, including 'Tutti Frutti' and 'Long Tall Sally.'
- The track 'Kansas City / Hey Hey Hey Hey' runs 3:52.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Little Richard?
Little Richard was the professional name of Richard Wayne Penniman, an American singer-songwriter and pianist born in 1932 who became one of the most electrifying performers in popular music history. Over seven decades he shaped culture through his explosive live shows and genre-defining recordings.
Why is Little Richard called the 'Architect of Rock and Roll'?
His mid-1950s recordings paired a pounding backbeat, wild piano runs, and a raw raspy vocal delivery that essentially defined what rock and roll sounded like. Artists across rhythm and blues, soul, and funk all trace their stylistic roots back to the blueprint he established during that era.
What are Little Richard's most famous songs?
'Tutti Frutti' and 'Long Tall Sally' are his two most iconic tracks, both released in the mid-1950s and widely credited with kicking the rock and roll movement into high gear. His catalog also includes 'Lucille,' 'Good Golly, Miss Molly,' and 'Riot in Cell Block Number 9.'
How did Little Richard break racial barriers in the music industry?
His crossover success in the 1950s placed a Black performer at the top of charts long dominated by white artists, forcing the industry to confront the genre's true origins. He became a visible, undeniable presence in a landscape that had historically marginalized Black creators.
When did Little Richard die, and what is his lasting legacy?
He passed away on May 9, 2020, at the age of 87, leaving behind a body of work that influenced virtually every rock, soul, and funk artist who followed. His frenetic stage persona and boundary-pushing sound remain a touchstone for musicians across genres.
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