This 1963 album features Little Richard in a full-throated, if somewhat surprising, gospel mode, trading his usual flamboyant persona for devout sincerity. The track selection, however, leans heavily on standards that many other artists had already committed to wax.
- The album was recorded in New York City with some of the era's top session musicians, including members of the Wrecking Crew. Despite its gospel themes, the album failed to chart on the Billboard 200. It was reissued on CD in 1990 with bonus tracks.
- This album was a departure from Richard's previous work, which had focused on secular rock and roll hits. He would return to gospel music periodically throughout his career, though never with the same intensity as demonstrated here.
- While a commercial disappointment, the album is notable for its raw vocal performances and passionate delivery. It offered fans a glimpse into a deeply spiritual side of the artist, away from the wild performances that made him famous.
Little Richard is a rock and roll pioneer who defined the genre with his electrifying stage presence and boogie-woogie piano style. In 1963, he was midway through a career resurgence, having recently returned from a highly successful UK tour.
Tracklist
