Singer and pianist Richard Wayne Penniman, better known as Little Richard, is one of the most audacious, seminal, and hysterical performers of 1950s rock 'n' roll. With his flamboyant costumes, a six-inch high pompadour, and feral stage antics, Richard's performances unleashed the ecstasy of his gospel roots coupled with sexual innuendo, giving rock 'n' roll its first zany artist. His intensity strongly impacted his audience. Black and gay, Richard was uncompromising in his image, with its roots in drag-queen revues, travelling medicine shows, church, and clubs. A symbol of rebellion, Richard became one of the first black artists to have enormous crossover appeal in both the American and British pop audiences and to foster the transformation of black R&B to rock 'n' roll. His songs have become staples in the rock 'n' roll repertoire. Richard's recording output for Specialty, in slightly more than...