There’s no question that Little Richard was a pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll. “I’m the one who started it all,” he once said. As a documentary Little Richard: I am everything revealed, Richard Penniman was also a very complicated and contradictory character. Director Lisa Cortés brings the story of Little Richard to life through a variety of film clips, photos and commentary from acquaintances, cast members, writers, scientists and even the man himself, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 87.
Penniman’s formative years are thoroughly explored. His love of music grew out of church, something he would devote his entire life to. But as the film reminds us, being black and being gay were challenges in the young singer’s journey. Even his father kicked him out of the house for being “different.” As the music took off, so did Penniman’s penchant for extravagance, style and showmanship, influenced by such noble names as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Billy Wright and Esquerita.
It wasn’t long before Penniman had a band – surviving members remember him for his generosity, audacity and spirit. After “Tutti Frutti,” with cleaner lyrics, made its way to underground black radio stations and car stereos, jukeboxes, and eventually record stores, Little Richard’s path was swift and efficient. As we find out, it was fraught with conflict and bigotry. All of the early black blues and rock musicians in white America in the 1950s fought for legitimate recognition. Little Richard wasn’t just robbed of big money and fame; Both Elvis Presley and Pat Boone landed higher with “Tutti Frutti.”
Despite being black and “different,” Little Richard has appeared on stages across the country, as well as on television and in films such as The Girl Can’t Help It. Even his father welcomed him back into the family. Ironically, Little Richard’s best friend allegedly shot and killed his father outside a bar a year after their reconciliation. Then he returned to the church and played gospel music. Few details are revealed of that period when Little Richard returned to secular music in the ’60s. And he was much more open about his sexuality. Orgies and drugs also came into play.
In the 1980s, Penniman combined his evangelistic life with his role as a rock ‘n’ roll original. Little Richard: I am everything glosses over the singer’s final days, leaving aside numerous milestones and awards. Part of the film’s problem is that it tends to focus on Little Richard’s struggles with his triumphs. Instead of hearing from others besides Jagger, Jones and director John Waters how fun and inspiring Little Richard was, we let scholars Zandria Robinson and Fredara Hadley talk about Penniman’s inability to adapt. Considering Little Richard’s history and place in rock ‘n’ roll, it’s a shame that none of his contemporaries and family members could document the impact. Chances are you won’t live to be 87 if life gives you too much of a beating.
~ Shawn Perry
Disney
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