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Little Richard – Tutti Frutti – 1955

About The Song

“Tutti Frutti” is a rock and roll classic by Little Richard, released in 1955. Known for its energetic and wild performance, the song is celebrated for its groundbreaking impact on the rock and roll genre and its influence on subsequent generations of musicians.

Five Facts:

  1. Energetic Debut Single: “Tutti Frutti” served as Little Richard’s debut single and became a major hit, reaching number two on the R&B charts. Its success marked the beginning of Little Richard’s influential career in rock and roll.
  2. Lyrical Changes: The original lyrics of “Tutti Frutti” underwent significant modifications to make the song more acceptable for a wider audience. Little Richard collaborated with songwriter Dorothy LaBostrie to rewrite the lyrics, toning down the suggestive content.
  3. Innovative Piano Intro: The song is characterized by an iconic piano intro played by Little Richard himself. The frenetic piano riffs in the intro set the tone for the energetic and upbeat nature of the entire track.
  4. Cultural Impact: “Tutti Frutti” is considered a pivotal record in the history of rock and roll, breaking down racial barriers in the music industry. Little Richard’s flamboyant and uninhibited performance style also challenged societal norms of the time.
  5. Covered by Numerous Artists: The song’s popularity led to numerous cover versions by various artists, including Elvis Presley. Little Richard’s original recording, however, remains the most celebrated and enduring rendition, securing its place as a cornerstone in the evolution of rock and roll.

Video

Lyrics

Wop bop a loo bop a lop bom bom

Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
A wop bop a loo bop a lop ba ba

I got a gal, named Sue, she knows just what to do
I got a gal, named Sue, she knows just what to do
She rock to the East, she rock to the West
But she’s the gal that I love best

Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie, ooh
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
A wop bop a loo bop a lop bom bom

I got a gal, named Daisy, she almost drives me crazy
Got a gal, named Daisy, she almost drives me crazy
She knows how to love me, yes indeed
Boy you don’t know what she do to me

Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie, ooh
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Wop bop a loo bop, ow

Oh tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie, ooh
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
A wop bop a loo bop a lop bom bom

I got a gal, named Daisy, she almost drive me crazy
Got a gal, named Daisy, she almost drive me crazy
She knows how to love me, yes indeed
Boy you don’t know what she do to me

Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie, ooh
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
A wop bop a loo bop a lop bam boom