Music lost one of its true originals, but it wasn’t the only arena in which his presence loomed large. Little Richard also helped to usher in an era of flamboyant menswear expression.
the depth of his influence. As tributes from Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, and Patti Smith poured in, fans revisited his music with the knowledge that he’d laid the foundation for rock ’n’ roll. Music had lost one of its true originals, but it wasn’t the only arena in which his presence loomed large. An unapologetic dandy, Richard helped to usher in an era of flamboyant menswear expression leading by example with an outré wardrobe and fearless style.
From the beginning, fashion set Richard apart. Drawn to the stage in his teens after a chance encounter with legendary guitarist Sister Rosetta Tharpe led to a feature as her opening act, he moved from singing gospel songs in church to performing vaudeville with a showman’s flair. In the early ’50s when ideas about gender were hardcoded into clothing, he flouted the rules.
The breakthrough release of “Tutti Frutti” in 1955 and “Long Tall Sally” a year later propelled him into mainstream celebrity, introducing audiences to his high octane performance style and a wardrobe brimming with spangles and sequins. His raucous piano playing was complemented by custom suits and heels in vivid hues. Black-and-white television sets couldn’t capture the full range of Richard’s fabulousness, but the folks at home could see him sparkle.
Forever straddling the line between being celebrated for his individuality and mocked for breaking from masculine norms, Richard only became more daring with time. As musicians influenced by his work rose to prominence, he embarked on a series of reinventions. If Jagger and Dylan were revisiting his old moves, Richard set out to create new ones. The ’60s and ’70s saw him embrace androgyny in lamé crop tops and brocade tunics fit for a love-in.
Age may have toned Richard’s wardrobe down, but he never lost his sense of fun. He sang his way into the supermodel era leadingin rousing song and dance for Revlon's Charlie campaign. One of the few people who could outshine Cindy C at the height of her powers, he stole the show in the Herb Ritts directed clips. Though theimage of Richard dancing and decked out in finery is how many will remember him,it was only one of a thousand incarnations for a performer who never stopped transforming.
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