Awop Bop Aloo Mop: Little Richard: A Life of Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll...and Religion

Tina Andrews

May 2022 · Highbridge Audio · Narrated by Sean Crisden

About this audiobook

As much music history as biography, Awop Bop Aloo Mop celebrates "Little" Richard Wayne Penniman, who burst onto the American scene in 1955 with his mega-hit "Tutti Frutti." Almost by himself, Little Richard wrote the anti-rules and poured the concrete for the foundation of a new musical art form he created. Alan Freed would call it "Rock & Roll." Dubbing himself "The Architect of Rock & Roll," Little Richard was known for his wild, flamboyant performances and outrageous costumes. He was one of the first artists to make the androgynous look popular, and his influence could be experienced in the music and performances of Mick Jagger, The Beatles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, James Brown, and David Bowie. But Little Richard also had demons he struggled with throughout his career-his complicated relationship with his sexual orientation, and its effect on his faith. He helped solidify The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Billy Preston, and The Beatles as major acts who used his onstage antics for their success. A terrible car crash sidelined Little Richard for months, causing him to miss his own induction into the first Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 for his contribution to music. But he later appeared in movies, television shows, and tours, showing everyone why he remains the "Originator, the Innovator, and the Architect of Rock & Roll."

About the author

Tina Andrews is an award-winning writer, producer, director, and visual artist. Her nonfiction book Sally Hemings: An American Scandal won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Achievement in Literary Nonfiction and the Literary Award of Excellence from the Memphis Writers Conference.

Sean Crisden is a multitalented actor and an AudioFile Earphones Award-winning narrator who has recorded audiobooks in almost every genre, from science fiction to romance. He has also voiced characters in numerous video games and appeared in many commercials and films, including The Last Airbender.