Watch the Amazon Original series Cross now on Prime Video. Yours with Prime.
Buy used:
$14.99
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime
FREE delivery Monday, December 30 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Sunday, December 29. Order within 21 hrs 42 mins
Used: Acceptable | Details
Sold by -OnTimeBooks-
Fulfilled by Amazon
Condition: Used: Acceptable
Comment: Shipped fast and reliably through the Amazon Prime program! Book may contain some writing, highlighting, and or cover damage.

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service we offer sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, and we directly pack, ship, and provide customer service for these products. Something we hope you'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime.

If you're a seller, Fulfillment by Amazon can help you grow your business. Learn more about the program.

Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Charles White
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Life And Times Of Little Richard Paperback – March 22, 1994

by Charles White (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 23 ratings
See all formats and editions

There is a newer edition of this item:

The Life and Times of Little Richard: The Authorised Biography
The Life and Times of Little Richard: The Authorised Biography
$35.26
(298)
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
James Brown called him his idol. Mick Jagger called him the king, Elvis Presley called him the greatest. Otis Redding called him his inspiration. Muhammad Ali called him his favorite singer. Jimi Hendrix said he wanted to do with his guitar what Little Richard did with his voice. And they all agreed on one thing: Little Richard, more than anyone else, personified the energy of rock n roll. Decked out in a mirrored suit, his hair pampadour, his face covered in pancake makeup, and his ferocious eyes mesmerized the crowd, he stomped, jumped, and screamed his way to the top of the charts with songs like "Rip It Up," "Long Tall Sally," "Good Golly Miss Molly," "Tutti Frutti," and "Slippin' and Slidin'."Here is the authorized biography of this legendary king of rock n roll, now fully updated to include his recent comeback, and including a complete discography and sessionography. Written largely in Richard's own words, but also including testimony from a star-studded cast of family, friends, and fellow musicians, this classic of rock literature tells all—his flamboyant stage antics; his blatant flaunting of racial taboos; his sexual experiences; his bewildering career that careened between show business and the church; and exactly how he created the music that would become a symbol of rebellion for kids all over the world.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    336 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Da Capo Press
  4. Publication date
    March 22, 1994
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.75 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0306805529
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0306805523
  8. See all details
Next slide of product details
Books%20with%20Buzz
Books with Buzz
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Charles White is the author of Killer!, the authorized biography of Jerry Lee Lewis. Dubbed "Dr. Rock" by the British press, he teaches a course on rock history at Scarborough College, and broadcasts regularly on BBC-Radio and BBC-TV. He lives in Scarborough, Yorkshire, England.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Da Capo Press; Updated edition (March 22, 1994)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0306805529
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0306805523
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.7 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.75 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 23 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Charles White

Charles White

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
23 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Shocks, then inspires
    Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2009
    Verified Purchase
    There are lurid details (sex, drugs, excrement) of Little Richard's life in the book that might be 'too much information.' As I read, I wondered how I would scrub those sordid images from my mind. Words in the book from Little Richard's own sermons provided balance and relief.

    The book has so many direct quotes from Little Richard, that it actually has the flavor of an autobiography. He was unfalteringly honest and frank.

    I found this book to be an interesting peek into the mind of someone who is very competitive, as Little Richard was determined to outperform anyone else he was staged with. It also offers insights to the gay community.

    He is a beautiful man with an incredible voice. When my children were small, I gave them his album of songs for children and he remains one of their (and mine) favorite performers.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Larry D
    4.0 out of 5 stars My man Richard
    Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    I've always pondered what type of life Little Richard had growing up, and now since the release of his autobiography, I don't have to ponder anymore. Little Richard had a fascinating life growing up. His mother married his father at age 13, and she became the strength of the family. It's really interesting hearing how he was confronted with the injustice and unfairness during those days. Little Richard was an amazing talent who didn't receive his just dues for his contribution to Rock and Roll, but he always remained positive and should go down in history as one of the greatest song writer and entertainer of all times.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • AsianCulture Fan
    5.0 out of 5 stars What can I say? If you have any interest ...
    Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    What can I say? If you have any interest in LR, this is the book. I had no idea how influential and connected he was in the music scene. Personal and insightful into the early life and times of the prime mover of Rock and Roll.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Mark S. Crawford
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Return of the Quasar
    Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2020
    This 1994 release is the second version of Charles White’s original 1985 book, “The Quasar of Rock.” This is an abridged version and the content of each is the same, with only scant and cursory updates in the preface section. The obvious changes among versions include the title and the physical size of the books. Thankfully, there are at least different pictures in each version.

    Before the Internet and all the social media, fans were dependent on print material to learn more about their favorite celebrity. Such was the case for the original 1985 release. From this source the world not only learned about his career path, but also his personal struggles with substance abuse, as well as between the spiritual and carnal – often in blushing detail! Related, given Richard’s unique proclivities for physical satisfaction, it’s a good thing cell phones did not exist during his hey-day. Had people of the time known what he was up to, his career might have been swiftly extinguished.

    White’s biography is the standard for information about Little Richard. Other authors writing about Richard after 1985 use White as a source. The original 1985 release helped propel a comeback of sorts for Little Richard. He was soon to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and he was making more appearances in film and TV, as well as contributing to the occasional soundtrack. Fortunately for White, in 1985 the major personalities in Richard’s life were still among the living. In addition to Richard’s comments, White was able to obtain quotes from Richard’s mother, his siblings, Art Rupe, Lee Angel, Ernestine Campbell, Bumps Blackwell, Quincy Jones, Billy Preston, former band members, and a host of others. However, one glaring omission is Richard’s son, Danny.

    For all that is included in the White’s book, a particular frustration I have is the lack of source information, as well as end notes. This is helpful to know when, where, and how White obtained his information. For all we know, Richard and the others could have simply recorded their stories and White transcribed them. There is no probing, no follow-up questions, and merely transitional commentary by White between episodes. The results leave us with great stories, but little personal subtext to understand Richard’s motivation, thought processes, and feelings.

    An acknowledged example of printing a transcript comes from the chapter entitled, “From Rock ‘n’ Roll to The Rock of Ages.” The chapter contains comments Richard delivered as an evangelist. Given other detailed and salacious examples of Richard’s less than righteous “dalliances” this segment is a curious and sharp contrast.

    Another frustration I have with this version is the lack of new information. If the author and publisher made the time and effort to re-release virtually the same book, why not include updated material? It seems opportunities have been missed since 1985 to keep Richard’s story current.

    Regardless of which version your read (they’re both the same), this is the literary source that all others refer to. It’s a revealing, informative, and sometimes shocking account of a person trying to reconcile his talents and beliefs all while the world is watching. That’s what one gets being a quasar.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Nan Leggett
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    very good book
    Helpful
     Report
  • B. Robyn Donison
    5.0 out of 5 stars A STUNNING, BRUTALLY FRANK, AUTHORIZED BIO OF THE MAN WHO CREATED THAT FUNKY, DRIVIN, NEVER-LET-UP ROCK N ROLL!!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2008
    Little Richard is arguably the most influencial recording artist of the 20th century. He influenced the development of funk as a genre (he was heralded by James Brown as his idol), rock n roll, soul and r&b. He is an original inductee into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame AND also one of the first recording artists to receive Pioneer Lifetime Achievement induction into the Rhythm & Blues Foundation's Hall of Fame.

    This bio is the only authorized biography of the architect of rock n roll. But TAKE NOTE, it is brutally frank in that it rather graphically highlights his struggles with sexuality sin, as well as drug and alcohol addiction. It takes the reader on a journey that NO OTHER music artist has encountered and lived to tell about it! The angst of the ups and down from life at the top of the music world in the mid-1950s to throwing it all away for born again Christianity, and then a hard backslide that took him down to the seedy underworld of 60s and 70s Los Angeles, and then back into the arms of the Lord is truly inspirational and an amazing testimony!

    So, get ready to learn about the start of the most influencial artform of the 20th century - Rock n Roll - and the artist God used to introduce this form of music to the world!
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Charlotte
    4.0 out of 5 stars wild wild wild
    Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2014
    starts pretty wild wild wild & it's sure to give another picture of lr, even though he hides some vital parts of his life, he does cough out quite a lot. sorry to say that the last pages he mellows mellows mellows down. but in the end it turns out to be a good read & quite honest. the best for me is that he doesn't try to convince what is good or what isn't. i guess some other rock musicians should do the same, if you've recently read, the pete townsend book, i suppose you know what i'm talking about.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • George LaTour
    4.0 out of 5 stars Shocking but True!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2007
    The book gives a good insight into the wild life of Little Richard which rings true but is nonetheless shocking even for an open-minded reader. Yet,I can't help admire the man for giving it his all and the frank disclosure he affords in his book.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Nicholas Chamberlain
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 27, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    fascinating read.
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars -
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    -
    Report
  • John A Marr
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 17, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Full of entertaining anecdotes - makes 70's rock tours look tame!
    Report
  • mary campbell
    4.0 out of 5 stars the georgia peach.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    a entertaining story of a flamboyant singer. some of it you have to take with a pinch of salt. great photos in the book.
    Report
  • Barry L Newton
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 30, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Great item, excellent service
    Report