How Little Richard Changed The Course Of Music

Plus, the very best new releases out this week.

by Marissa Lorusso and Lyndsey McKenna AP This week on All Songs Considered, we shift our focus to the influence and legacy of a musician who played a foundational role in shaping the sound of the 20th century: Little Richard, who died on May 9 from bone cancer at the age of 87. Born Richard Penniman in Macon, Ga., Little Richard was a one-of-a-kind icon who was idolized by his peers and inheritors alike. An architect of rock and a man of extremes, he went on to change the course of music by embodying a kind of “strategic outrageousness,” wrote NPR critic Ann Powers in her book Good Booty. He “represented what happens to unspeakable desires after they've been dug out of the dirt where society buried them.”  On All Songs, Bob Boilen and NPR Music's Senior Director Lauren Onkey talked through Little Richard’s life in 10 songs – in all its electrifying, history-making, barrier-breaking glory. The girls can’t help it, Marissa Lorusso and Lyndsey McKenna P.S. All Songs also paid tribute to another genre-defying act this week. Bob was joined by writer Geeta Dayal to talk about Kraftwerk’s essential songs, and the lasting influence of the band’s mesmerizing lyrics, early use of synthesizers and ultra-square aesthetics. Newsletter continues after sponsor message New Music This week, Perfume Genius released its fifth album, Set My Heart On Fire Immediately. It’s breathtaking. Newsletter editor Marissa talked with our colleague Cyrena Touros about the way songwriter Mike Hadreas has helped set a new standard for the exploration of movement, dance, gender and identity in rock. It’s a massive week for new releases. On this week’s All Songs Considered New Music Friday, hear previews of Charli XCX’s quarantine-produced pop, Jason Isbell’s latest album with the 400 Unit, another conceptual feat from the Magnetic Fields and more.  Nashville was already reeling from a deadly tornado when the pandemic prompted stay-at-home orders. But even with recovery interrupted, the music hasn’t stopped. On a new World Cafe Nashville session and playlist, Ann Powers shares recent Music City releases that have caught her ear.  Allow a new album of keyboard concertos by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, son of Johann Sebastian, to be your entry to the composer’s startling style.  Featuring Fantastic Damage, El-P’s solo debut from long before his Run the Jewels days, is finally available on streaming services after years out of print. Eric Ducker spoke to the producer-rapper as he revisits his artistic past and forges forward with Run the Jewels 4 on the horizon. Bob Dylan's latest release, "False Prophet," is not, entirely, a new song. It borrows from a 1954 single by a pianist, singer and composer whose songs were recorded by Elvis Presley and others. The coronavirus crisis has continued to impact the music industry in large and small ways. In New York, Broadway’s theaters will remain shuttered through at least Labor Day. Meanwhile, an Arkansas venue planning to hold a concert before the state’s stay-at-home order lifted has been served as cease-and-desist. On a brighter note: The Broadway sensation Hamilton will be available for home viewing this summer. And a new group, called the Jazz Coalition, has come together to help jazz artists who are especially impacted by live concert cancellations. R&B icon Betty Wright, the first woman to have a record on her own label achieve gold status, died Sunday at the age of 66. A versatile artist known for her hits “Clean Up Woman” and “Tonight is the Night,” her career spanned decades as she evolved into a trusted mentor and valued collaborator in her later years.  Tiny Desk Kisha Ravi/NPR Newsletter editor Marissa has written about Frances Quinlan’s voice a number of times, but each time, she’s struck by how hard it is to capture in words the indie rocker’s powerful rasp, emotional timbre and knack for lurching melodies. She got a chance to try again recently when we published Frances Quinlan’s Tiny Desk, where she performed songs from her debut solo album. We were scheduled to host a Tiny Desk performance by country singer Ashley McBryde in our office on March 31. We of course had to postpone McBryde's visit – so McBryde and her bandmates isolated and washed their hands before coming together to perform a Tiny Desk (home) concert instead.   One More Thing Say hi to your neighbors from a safe distance, or try your hand at sourdough.  What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: nprmusic@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Books, Pop Culture, Health and more! Need a new playlist? Follow NPR Music on Spotify and Apple Music! You received this message because you're subscribed to NPR Music emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy