|
Richard Wayne Penniman (known by the stage name Little Richard) was an American singer, songwriter, musician, recording artist, and actor, considered key in the transition from rhythm and blues to rock and roll in the mid-1950s. His charismatic showmanship and dynamic music, characterized by frenetic piano playing, pounding back beat and powerful raspy vocals, laid the foundation for rock and roll.
His most popular song "Tutti Frutti" was used in the 1987 Disney animated film The Brave Little Toaster, the Epcot attraction Food Rocks (where he voiced a pineapple version of himself simply named Richard), the DTV television series (set to clips from Mr. Duck Steps Out and Mickey's Birthday Party), the 1988 Touchstone Pictures film Cocktail, and the 1998 Miramax Films film Velvet Goldmine. His song "Keep-a-Rockin" was used in the 1994 Miramax Films film Foreign Student. His song "The Girl Can't Help It" was used in the 1995 Buena Vista International film Circle of Friends. He also performed "Gawrsh Golly Goofy" on the 1987 Disneyland Records album Mickey's Rock Around the Mouse.
He also made a guest appearance on Muppets Tonight in episode 208. Additionally, he played Orvis Goodnight in the 1986 Touchstone Pictures film Down and Out in Beverly Hills and appeared as himself in the 1999 Hollywood Pictures film Mystery, Alaska.
Trivia[]
- Little Richard's musical influence produced a new wave of rock and roll legends, such as Elton John, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.
- In a 1995 episode of the PBS series Kino's Storytime, Little Richard read a book adaptation of the Silly Symphony short "The Grasshopper and the Ants".
Roles[]
(Down and Out in Beverly Hills)
