Rockin’ & Rollin’ Little Richard b. Richard Wayne Penniman Dec. 5, 1932 Way of dress and outrageous style epitomized rock’s spirit of rebellion 1 of 12 children, 2 uncles and grandfather were preachers Father was a bootlegger Kicked out of his home at 13 Either due to his musical interests or homosexuality (stories vary) 1951 - Got a contract w/ RCA Sept. 1955 – began recording for Specialty Records

One song he cut was a filler called “Tutti Fruiti” Cleaned up considerably before release, original lyrics: Tutti Frutti, good booty/If it don’t fit, don’t force it, you can grease it, make it easy Cut 36 songs for Specialty (7 were gold) 1956 - Tutti Frutti (#18), Long Tall Sally (#6); 1957 - Lucille (#21), Keep a Knockin’ (#8); 1958 - Good Golly Miss Molly (#10) 1957 - Quit music after receiving a sign from God Returned to rock in 1964, stopped recording in the late 70s again

Had his best latter-day recording success singing children’s songs After several failed musical ressurections, Little Richard survived into the 1980s w/ an autobiography, movie & tv roles Down and Out in Beverly Hills, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, Last Action Hero; also appeared on Full House, Martin, & Miami Vice Had his best latter-day recording success singing children’s songs Probably best know for the theme song of the Magic School Bus 1986 - inducted into the R&R HoF 1990 – received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 1992 – played at the presidential inaugural ball for Bill Clinton

Pat Boone B. 6/1/34 Successful pop singer & actor in the 1950s & early 60s Sold over 45 million albums & had 38 Top 40 hits (6 #1s) 2nd biggest charting artist of the 1950s behind Elvis Presley Holds record for 220 weeks on the Billboard charts with more than one song 1955 cover of Fats Domino’s Ain’t That a Shame set the course of his pop career, covering R&B hits The British Invasion effectively ended his hit-making days

Bill Haley and His Comets b. 7/6/1925 – d. 2/9/1981 1948 – formed a country band that never gained much popularity 1950 –signed a deal with Essex record 1951 – released Rocket 88, reaction convinced him that fast-paced R&B style music would sell 1954 – Haley left Essex for Decca Records Spring 1954 – released Rock Around the Clock (sold moderately)

Sold 60 million records world-wide, inducted in RRHoF in 1986 The follow-up song, Shake, Rattle, and Roll hit the Top 10 in U.S. and Britain Rock Around the Clock re-released in 1955 & it hit #1 on the pop charts 12 U.S. Top 40 hits 1955-1956 The song was included in Blackboard Jungle, a movie about juvenile delinquents Led viewers to identify Haley as a young rebel through his music Over exposure revealed him to be a pudgy, balding, family man in his 30s, last Top 40 hit was Skinnie Minnie (1958) Continued to be popular in Europe even after popularity declined in US (Rock Around the Clock on pop chart 1974 in Britain) Sold 60 million records world-wide, inducted in RRHoF in 1986