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His family was devoutly religious, attending Pentecostal churches where he witnessed the congregation talking in tongues, waving their arms in the air, and dancing uncontrollably. At just 10 years old, he often went around the church as a “healer,” placing his hands on people and ministering the Gospel.
Richard soon learned to sing and play the piano, and later won a talent contest in Atlanta that led to a recording contract with RCA Records. He began performing in 1940 as Little Richard, and from 1955 to 1957 had a series of hits including “Long Tail Sally,” “Lucille” and “Tutti Frutti.” These songs were a groundbreaking mix of gospel, boogie-woogie and rhythm and blues that helped lay the foundation for rock and roll.
Little Richard's flamboyant style—along with some of his songs like “Tutti Frutti” (whose original lyrics had to be changed from “tutti frutti, loose booty” to “tutti frutti, aw rooty”)—sparked controversy. In 1957 he became a born again Christian, claimed to be an evangelist, and retired from making music. In 1986, he explained his struggles with trying to repent from substance abuse and homosexuality in Charles White's authorized biography, The Life and Times of Little Richard.
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