TUTTI FRUTTI!

On this day in music history: September 14, 1955 - “Tutti-Frutti” by Little Richard is recorded. Written by Richard Penniman and Dorothy LaBostrie, it is the first major hit for the Macon, GA born “Architect Of Rock & Roll”. It is recorded at the J&M Recording Studio in New Orleans with Fats Domino’s backing band which include Frank Fields (guitar), Lee Allen and Alvin “Red” Tyler (saxophones), and Earl Palmer (drums). When initial attempts to capture a suitable performance prove elusive, the musicians stop and take a break. During that break, a frustrated Richard begins playing the song which producer “Bumps” Blackwell immediately recognizes its hit potential. Songwriter Dorothy LaBostrie is brought in to clean up the songs original and more sexually explicit lyrics. Once she is finished revising the lyrics, the band gets right to work. The master take of the song is captured in just fifteen minutes on the third take. Released in early November of 1955, “Tutti Frutti” quickly rockets up the charts peaking at #2 on the Billboard R&B singles chart, and #17 on the Best Sellers chart. The song is regarded as one of the most influential and important in the evolution of Rock & Roll. Little Richard’s original recording of “Tutti Frutti” is inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 1998.

A suitably understated even restrained performance of this rabble rouser from Richard here on the film set but this was to prove to be a ground breaking number and enters Rock 'N' Roll history at the very heights. The horn section and drummer feature some of New Orleans finest and I have been following the careers and work of Earl Palmer and the ubiquitous horn section featuring Lee Allen and Red Tyler from here to Dr John and Professor Longhair. Masters of their craft indeedlie doodlie! 

A Wop Bop a Loo Bop and Lop Bam Boom!

thanks to the most excellent Jeff Harris' blog 'Behind The Grooves  On this day in Music History