When I think of rock and roll, I don’t think of that poser, Elvis. I think of Little Richard. Your fave’s got nothing on him.
Little Richard is an icon. A legend. He helped make rock and roll what it is, before the appropriation. His influence also extended to funk and soul. I dare you to listen to “Tutti Frutti” and not break out into dance.
Little Richard is a TV movie that debuted on NBC in 2000, starring Leon as Little Richard. Leon has probably played your favorite singer at some point, whether real or fictional.
The film tells the story of Little Richard’s childhood and his career as a rock and roll singer, as he struggles with the discrimination that comes with being a Black singer.
Leon was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special and a Black Reel Award for Best Actor: Television Movie. David Sibley was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Direction.
