Little Richard: A Man Who Changed The Music Industry

One of our latest arrivals to TShirtGrill is this new design for Little Richard – a music icon who was one of those responsible for changes not only within the music industry but the wider world itself.

Born in 1932, Richard Penniman got his break in the late 40’s before becoming a massive name in the 1950’s. Scoring 16 Top 40 hits in the UK between 1956 and 1977, he was a pioneer of the Rock ‘n’ Roll genre with songs such as “Tutti Frutti”, “Good Golly Miss Molly” and “Long Tall Sally”.

Due to the times though, it wouldn’t be easy for Little Richard. As a black man – and with some still pushing for segregation – his breakthrough to mainstream music was seen as a stepping stone in to uniting people of all races together.

Richard also struggled with his sexuality – being a gay man in a time where this too was still considered unacceptable, he was subject to abuse from his father as well as bullying and jokes at his expense. So much so, for a period of time in his life he even denounced his sexuality and at one point in his career became a born-again Christian.

However in more modern times, his career – and what he did for the industry as well as the wider world – is praised and rightfully so. A legend of the Rock ‘n’ Roll genre, and one of the biggest and earliest famous names that led to a mentality change that gave us a more open and accepting world – Little Richard has been named as an influence by the likes of The Beatles, Elvis Presley & Elton John.

If you love Little Richard, get your hands on this new exclusive design!

Ashley