The Genius of Little Richard Explored in New Film

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

To many, Little Richard lived a complicated life— from his hypersexual ways to his brilliant, but amazingly disrespected, career.

Putting aside his personal and flamboyant lifestyle, one could find it hard to argue with Richard’s declaration in the new documentary “Little Richard: I Am Everything,” by award-winning filmmaker Lisa Cortés.

“Michael Jackson was inspired by me. Prince. James Brown, I discovered him. Jimi Hendrix was my guitar player,” Richard says in the 98-minute film that includes homages from others he influenced, like Mick Jagger, John Wa- ters, and Billy Porter.

Indeed, in one telling moment, while Richard inducts the late Otis Redding into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Jagger sits in the audience listening intently and almost embarrassingly as Richard recounts how the Rolling Stones served as the flamboyant “Tutti Frutti” singer’s opening act and how he helped their careers.

Born Richard Wayne Penniman in Macon, Georgia, in 1932, Little Richard left his home as a young boy when his father discovered Richard was gay.

Cortés, who won an Emmy for The Apollo, and served as executive producer for the Oscar-winning film “Precious,” said Richard wasn’t just the king of rock ‘n’ roll but the architect.

“Little Richard is part of music history and the inspiration to many artists. Jimi Hendrix is playing in his band,” Cortés declared in an interview with “Let It Be Known,” the Black Press of America’s live morning news program.