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| Little Richard to Play Jazz Festival  The SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, June 23rd-July 2nd, announced today that living legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Little Richard will headline the Bessborough Gardens Mainstage on Saturday, June 24, in what is currently his only Canadian appearance. Little Richard is considered by many to be the true father of rock 'n roll, he represents a literal musical history from rhythm & blues to rock 'n roll, passing through gospel and soul and funk along the way. "This is going to be one of the biggest artists we've presented at the festival, " said Festival Manager Kevin Tobin, "not only because Little Richard is bringing a 16-piece band, but this could very well be the first official sellout of the Bessborough Gardens, so we encourage everyone to get their tickets early".Exploding into the American consciousness in the mid-50's, Little Richards inglehandedly laid the foundation and established the rules for a new musical form: rock and roll. Born and raised in Macon, Georgia, the third of twelve children, Richard Wayne Penniman's career was launched with song, "Tutti Frutti, " which became his catalyst for success and led to an uninterrupted run of smash hits- "Tutti Frutti, " "Long Tall Sally, " "Rip It Up, " "Lucille, " "Jenny, Jenny, " "Keep A Knockin", " "Good Golly, Miss Molly, " "Ooh, My Soul". By 1968, Little Richard had sold over 32 million records internationally. "It's a huge thrill to have Little Richard making his only Canadian appearance for the Festival's 20th Anniversary, " Tobin said. "He is truly a giant in the music industry, and his contributions to North American music forms are almost immeasurable. He's been called the originator, the emancipator, the architect of rock and roll, but his sound is steeped in the traditions of soul and rhythm and blues". He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1990, and in 1993 was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |