- published: 20 Aug 2010
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Richard Wayne Penniman (born December 5, 1932), known by the stage name Little Richard, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, recording artist, and actor, considered key in the transition from rhythm and blues to rock and roll in the mid-1950s. He was also the first artist to put the funk in the rock and roll beat and contributed significantly to the early development of soul music. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website entry on Penniman states that:
He claims to be "the architect of rock and roll", and history would seem to bear out Little Richard’s boast. More than any other performer – save, perhaps, Elvis Presley, Little Richard blew the lid off the Fifties, laying the foundation for rock and roll with his explosive music and charismatic persona. On record, he made spine-tingling rock and roll. His frantically charged piano playing and raspy, shouted vocals on such classics as "Tutti Frutti", "Long Tall Sally" and "Good Golly, Miss Molly" defined the dynamic sound of rock and roll.
Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King".
Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, Presley moved to Memphis, Tennessee, with his family at the age of 13. He began his career there in 1954, working with Sun Records owner Sam Phillips, who wanted to bring the sound of African American music to a wider audience. Accompanied by guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, Presley was the most important popularizer of rockabilly, an uptempo, backbeat-driven fusion of country and rhythm and blues. RCA Victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker, who would manage the singer for over two decades. Presley's first RCA single, "Heartbreak Hotel", released in January 1956, was a number one hit. He became the leading figure of the newly popular sound of rock and roll with a series of network television appearances and chart-topping records. His energized interpretations of songs, many from African American sources, and his uninhibited performance style made him enormously popular—and controversial. In November 1956, he made his film debut in Love Me Tender.
Well it's Saturday night and I just got paid
I'm a fool away my money, don't try to save
My heart says, "Go go, have a time"
'Cos Saturday night bar and I'm feelin' fine
I'm gonna rock it up, I'll rip it up
I'm gonna shake it up, I'm gonna ball it up
I'm gonna rock it, ball tonight
I got a date and I won't be late
Pickin' her up in my '88
Cruise on down 'bout the union hall
John starts jumpin', we'll have a ball
Gonna rock it up, yes, I'm gonna rip it up
I'm gonna shake it up, I'm gonna ball it up
I'm gonna rock it and ball tonight
'Long about ten and I'm swingin' high
Me and my baby, rocking up in the sky
Don't care if I spend my dollar
'Cause tonight I'm gonna be one happy soul
I'm gonna rock it up, I'll rip it up
I'm gonna shake it up, I'm gonna ball it up