August 2009

 

"A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-wop-bam-boom!" - these words rang out from the lips of the sequined attired, over the top make-up and wig wearing Rev. Richard Wayne Penniman better known to his fans as Little Richard in his recent performance at the  Birchmere Musica Hall in Alexandria, Va. 
 
The spacisous hall was packed with fans from every generation and a variety of ethnic groups.  The Rev. Penniman did not disappoint.  He went through the list of Little Richard favorties:  Tutti Frutti, Good Golly Miss Molly, Keep-A-Knockin, Long Tall Sally, Lucille, etc. etc.  He was rocking the keys with his boogie woogie, rock and roll piano style along with his powerful, soul stirring band. His screams and "whooos" were as powerful as ever.   The horn section was "off the hook". Their synchronizd body movements clearly brought back the old Howard and Harlem Theater live band days.   He even had his son, Charles, getting down on the bass, his body soulfully moving and swaying as he danced to the beat. 
 
As is his customed, throughtout the evening Little Richard declared himself beautiful and responded to audience's shouts of love and song requests with his well known, "shut up".  From beginning to end, the audience was loving it all.  He may be 76 years old, but this brother clearly still has it going on. 
 
Little Richard began his recording career in 1951.  He acurately declares himself the founder and "architect of Rock and Roll".  In 1957 at the height of his career, he became a "born again Chritian" and determined he would only play gospel music.  It was during this stage of his life that he entered the ministry.  By 1963 he was back on tour with rock and roll.  The audience at the Birchmer was clearly thrilled he made that decision.  From his performance he appeared to be having the time of his life. 
 
What's the lesson?  There is nothing wrong with rock and roll.  Music of every genre is a part of God's multiplicty of gifts to the world.  Musicians, live an honorable life and accept your calling to bring joy to others -  yes, even through rock and roll.