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American Masters

Little Richard preaches the gospel

Little Richard had a fervid relationship with religion.

Aired 06/02/2023

American Masters

Little Richard preaches the gospel

Clip: 6/2/2023 | 2mVideo has Closed Captions

Little Richard had a fervid relationship with religion.

Little Richard had a fervid relationship with religion, and even quit rock and roll music for religion once in 1957, only to return years later. He was regularly preaching in 1984, claiming that his days "should be spent now, at the age of 52, spreading the gospel."

Aired 06/02/2023

Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...

Big Freedia on Little Richard, music and the queer community

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Artist Big Freedia reflects on the similarities between herself and Little Richard. (13m 48s)

The king and queen of rock 'n' roll—and Sunset Boulevard

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By 1985, Little Richard had abandoned rock 'n' roll and was living in a hotel in L.A. (1m 33s)

Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll

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Experience the meteoric rise and enduring legacy of Little Richard. (28s)

The origins of "Tutti Frutti"

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Little Richard first originated the famous refrain in "Tutti Frutti" at the Dew Drop Inn. (1m 41s)

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Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...

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