In this episode of pplpod, we explore the explosive life of Little Richard (Richard Wayne Penniman), the dynamic singer and pianist widely celebrated as the "Architect of Rock and Roll",. We trace his journey from his religious upbringing in Macon, Georgia, to his breakthrough in 1955 with "Tutti Frutti," a song that introduced a pounding new beat and raspy vocal style that laid the foundation for rock music,,.

We discuss the defining conflict of Richard’s life: the tension between his secular fame and his religious faith. We look at his shock departure from music in 1957 to attend theology school, his subsequent return to rock, and his later years as an evangelist,,. The episode also examines his complex personal struggles, including his battles with drug addiction in the  ...