Pop culture has never been a major influence in my life. I considered Little Richard a more visible sort of person but essentially rather like the black queens and trans figures that led up to Stonewall.
The law had changed (though not enough) in England and Wales (not yet in Scotland) when I was 20 (and at university in Scotland). My politicism was directed at gay rights and changing public opinions and attitudes in the 70s. I was fascinated by his camp persona but not very impacted by his or any other pop music. (In my mid-teens I was attracted by the Beatles for a time.)
I can value him as a more visible part of the gay rights movement in the US.
By the time I was coming up—and out—in the 1980s and 1990s, Little Richard was as famous for his appearances on shows like Hollywood Squares as his music. He let himself be the butt of the joke. But the doc really helped me put that persona into perspective. And reminded me how he was an inspiration and mentor to so many musicians. Including the Beatles and Rolling Stones. Amazing how one flamboyant force of nature touched so many…and not just below the belt. lol
He definitely had it coming and going. His church connections likely kept him from true superstardom. I think he “quit” rock-n-roll at least twice when he tried to “straighten” up. Poor conflicted dear.
Well Clint and others Little Richard never floated my boat back then and still largely doesn't now. Now as an impressionable youth back then in the 🇫🇴🇬🇧 you were either for the Beatles or the Rolling Stones and NO you couldn't have a foot in both camps. Google another 🇫🇴🇬🇧 thing, Mods and Rockers. Rockers were rock/motorcycles and Mods were scooter 🛵 fashion and associated music styles of both genres. It was all the evolution of youth/music/life. I fell more on the Mods side. At the time the two genres were at 'war' over their chosen groupings. On Public Holiday weekends there were many pitched battles when the two groups would meet up at seaside towns. A bit like group rivalries to one another in New Jersey or over in Palisades Park(?) settings. Right cultural history lesson is over for today 😎😁😉👍 Cheers DougT 🇫🇴
No offense Doug, but it all sounds so very provincial and high school. lol
This probably won't surprise you, but I refused to belong to any group and got along with most folks before, during, and after high school.
As for Little Richard, did you know he was instrumental in the early years--as both an inspiration and a mentor--of both the Beatles and Rolling Stones? Members from both groups sing his praises in the doc. I had forgotten. :-)
I always liked Little Richard. So much energy. One thing against him-a few years ago he announced that he was no longer Gay. Should be PROUD of being Gay.
Agreed…the doc does a good job showing the good, the bad, and the oh-no-she-didn’t sides. It’s well worth your time if you have Max or other streaming services that carry it.
Pop culture has never been a major influence in my life. I considered Little Richard a more visible sort of person but essentially rather like the black queens and trans figures that led up to Stonewall.
The law had changed (though not enough) in England and Wales (not yet in Scotland) when I was 20 (and at university in Scotland). My politicism was directed at gay rights and changing public opinions and attitudes in the 70s. I was fascinated by his camp persona but not very impacted by his or any other pop music. (In my mid-teens I was attracted by the Beatles for a time.)
I can value him as a more visible part of the gay rights movement in the US.
By the time I was coming up—and out—in the 1980s and 1990s, Little Richard was as famous for his appearances on shows like Hollywood Squares as his music. He let himself be the butt of the joke. But the doc really helped me put that persona into perspective. And reminded me how he was an inspiration and mentor to so many musicians. Including the Beatles and Rolling Stones. Amazing how one flamboyant force of nature touched so many…and not just below the belt. lol
The details here make me regard him as very courageous given his internalised Fundamentalist homophobia.
He definitely had it coming and going. His church connections likely kept him from true superstardom. I think he “quit” rock-n-roll at least twice when he tried to “straighten” up. Poor conflicted dear.
Love the SHUT UP, Clint.
Well Clint and others Little Richard never floated my boat back then and still largely doesn't now. Now as an impressionable youth back then in the 🇫🇴🇬🇧 you were either for the Beatles or the Rolling Stones and NO you couldn't have a foot in both camps. Google another 🇫🇴🇬🇧 thing, Mods and Rockers. Rockers were rock/motorcycles and Mods were scooter 🛵 fashion and associated music styles of both genres. It was all the evolution of youth/music/life. I fell more on the Mods side. At the time the two genres were at 'war' over their chosen groupings. On Public Holiday weekends there were many pitched battles when the two groups would meet up at seaside towns. A bit like group rivalries to one another in New Jersey or over in Palisades Park(?) settings. Right cultural history lesson is over for today 😎😁😉👍 Cheers DougT 🇫🇴
No offense Doug, but it all sounds so very provincial and high school. lol
This probably won't surprise you, but I refused to belong to any group and got along with most folks before, during, and after high school.
As for Little Richard, did you know he was instrumental in the early years--as both an inspiration and a mentor--of both the Beatles and Rolling Stones? Members from both groups sing his praises in the doc. I had forgotten. :-)
I always liked Little Richard. So much energy. One thing against him-a few years ago he announced that he was no longer Gay. Should be PROUD of being Gay.
Agreed…the doc does a good job showing the good, the bad, and the oh-no-she-didn’t sides. It’s well worth your time if you have Max or other streaming services that carry it.