Little Richard On Discovering The Beatles | The Dick Cavett Show

[@magneto7930]

The Beatles never hesitated in giving Little Richard praise throughout their entire career, along with Chuck Berry. When asked who they admired they basically said all the black artists, but Little Richard was way up high on the list. I miss the days when artists used to give each other praise as opposed to slamming each other out of jealousy.

[@elhamfeizollahy8126]

George Harrison mentioned him in their rock n roll induction speech.

[@magneto7930]

@Ur Money Lol absolutely!

[@dwightlove3704]

@@elhamfeizollahy8126 John Lennon supposedly said that before Elvis Presley came along there was no one before him I guess that he forgot about this guy.

[@frasertones8519]

I bet Lemmy from Motorhead mentions Little Richard a dozen times in his documentary.

[@dwightlove3704]

@@frasertones8519 A great deal of ppl owed their careers to this person.

[@Sunrise6410]

I love how Little Richard was unapologetic about being himself. That's what made him so free.

[@mrpentium]

But how could he do that ? 50 years ago ?????

[@trappenweisseguy27]

I was around for most of his career and I think he wasn’t hassled like you think he would have been because he was such a shining talent. Had he been mediocre he probably would have been killed at some point.

[@ibrahimyange1528]

The seal of liberation is having no shame

[@posysdogovych2065]

I agree, until the last years of his life when he denied who he was on some kind of televised church thingy. It was a shame.

[@goodpeopleoftheworldunite]

Seems like he should be _more_ apologetic. Self centred and rude are the impressions I'm getting here.

[@vrinda5303]

Little Richard is so funny and he really was the architect of rock'n'roll. RIP.

[@ontario8562]

@BILL DAN COURTNEY Other than Little Richard and Chuck Berry, who else can hold that title?

[@uItrachile]

@J. J. Hallo elvis was just a pretty boy copying.

[@Mileswayv]

uItrachile lmao this clown just said elvis

[@gimmesometruth1074]

@@Mileswayv Elvis was the king, you're a clown

[@gimmesometruth1074]

@@ontario8562 little Richard was really r&b. Chuck, Fat's Domino, Bo Diddley and Elvis are really the architects

[@alightthatnevergoesout]

A proud, unapologetic feminine Black man during a time in the world where that wasn’t celebrated or appreciated. The Architect of Rock n Roll was an absolutely wonderful person!

[@TheFunktipus1]

Totally, and everyone loved him

[@King-fz8iw]

Anderson Cooper Na it’s true, and he did say it in an interview.

[@bholaoates1542]

@@TheFunktipus1 Because he didn't try to make it into a political statement or anything. He was just being who he was without trying to indoctrinate anyone else to be like him, so people accepted him for who he was: a very talented man who happened to have feminine mannerisms.

[@KevinsHeaven]

O Yeah I Got them ! It was good to see little Richard in one of his last appearances at a church where he spoke for about an hour to the congregation about God and life. He clearly battled his sins as do all of us. At that late stage in his life, he let the craziness and feminine side go and let his God-given masculine self take its rightful place in himself. He was much more comfortable with his real self and so freely shared God’s grace with everyone in attendance.

[@tommydavies9744]

Why bring colour in

[@bluestate69]

I am convinced that Little Richard was a time traveler from the future, who just went on these old shows to play with them.

[@osamabinladen824]

And then heavily influenced The Beatles which we worship today.

[@brötzmannsax]

@@osamabinladen824 "Phony Beatlemania has bitten the dust" Joe Strummer

[@Harriet-Jesamine]

This is a most plausible theory

[@Lumibear.]

So was he *sniff* ;)

[@JohnJohnson-mo4bn]

@@brötzmannsax Johnny Rotten/Lydon said ~ Joey & his Clash are merely a bar band with inane socialistic lyrics.

[@danielknierim2234]

It's so unbelievable how ahead of his time Little Richard is.

[@billthecat666]

He's telling the truth. He did a lot for the Beatles.

[@corentinchauvel9863]

Of course and the Beatles never hid it, you could see them talking about Little Richard all the time when they talked about the musicians who inspired them. Paul McCartney paid a huge tribute to him when he passed away.

[@reneebraxton1032]

Amen to that.

[@MrLogic88]

@Skelter There would be no Beatles without Little Richard. He laid the foundation for RocknRoll

[@oldgroucho2203]

Richard, Chuck Barry and Jerry Lee Lewis invented rock and roll. everyone owes him gratitude.

[@ameyanadkarni7270]

@@MrLogic88 True. All the Beatles acknowledged the fact every time they got the chance. They were highly influenced by Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Carl Perkins and others. John Lennon for one stated “If you had to give rock and roll another name, you might call it Chuck Berry.” . McCartney also praised Little Richard's influence whenever he was asked about his influences. He once said that what Beatles is now today to the masses Little Richard(along with Chuck Berry, Buddy Holy and some others) was to them.

[@mmarsh1972]

You know with all the madness in the world, I didnt even realize we lost Little Richard in May. RIP Little Richard...

[@paull.6026]

A truly seminal legend.

[@priyanshujainiitk]

When The Beatles got inducted to RocknRoll Hall of Fame, Goerge Harrison said it was all Little Richard's fault. Side note: He is so fucking hilarious!!

[@subg8858]

Dylan in his induction also said he wouldn't have even started in music if it weren't for little richard. He was the only musician he specifically mentioned

[@LPChipi]

Such a balance between ultra self-confidence but without seeming vain. A special guy!

[@LPChipi]

Also, Dick Cavett is such a great interviewer. He lets the spotlight fall on the interviewer but keeps up with their crazy personalities and is a master of the friendly banter.

[@flipwright1138]

Shut up

[@whyme3904]

Yeah real special. 🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪

[@brianbullivant4753]

"Without seeming vain" , you must be kidding! Vanity, thy name was Little Richard.

[@LPChipi]

@@brianbullivant4753 Well, yes, but it doesn't feel arrogant or obnoxious as it would if anyone else did it. Like it's his own little inside joke. It's hard to explain I guess

[@jgosier]

Nobody: Little Richard: SHUT UP!

[@jx14aby]

I didn't know he was Jewish!

[@MarcusStaAnaBurSelF]

so that's where John got it from

[@deadendfriends1975]

Lester Maddox was a white supremacist

[@reneebraxton1032]

🤣😂

[@WakaWaka2468]

@@deadendfriends1975 Good. I have more respect for him now

[@brachiator1]

I really appreciate the affection that Little Richard has for the Beatles. And they returned the affection and admiration in interviews. Little Richard notes that he influenced them, and is clearly happy with their success. I knew that Hendrix played in Richard's band, but didn't know about James Brown. Dick Cavett is a little overwhelmed, but is smart enough to give Little Richard the stage.

[@lionheartroar3104]

He was electrifying even during an interview. Rest In Peace my hero

[@eelco8800]

I love how well put together Dick Cavett stays during this whole crazy interview

[@pattibrooks1907]

Little Richard was a lovley sweet man with a great sense of humor

[@fatbelly27]

Hard to believe this was 50 years ago. Little Richard was a pioneer of rock.

[@wbaconus]

We were heading to the inaugural Bonaroo music festival in 2002, and our route took us through Nashville, TN on I75. As we are driving along I glance at the metallic gold Cadillac Escalade cruising along side. The driver appeared to be dressed as a pirate from my observation as we overtook them. When I looked closer (out of curiosity) at the potential pirate I realized that the man in the gold lame jacket and long pompadoured hair was none other than Little Richard himself. We slowed to keep pace and waved and blew kisses at him and he returned the gesture. I could read his lips as he said to his passengers “Look at the beautiful children. God bless you!”. I will never forget.

[@alishamccormick7804]

That is wonderful!! That's great so he was the one that was driving right?

[@no1nestandsalone387]

I’ve heard he was very funny, flamboyant but a nice god fearing man! Which is nice to hear. He appreciated fans. I hate stars that are nasty and full of themselves!

[@70chiponwhite]

I'm a 'Roo vet (12 years) . that is one of the best moments I've ever heard. F' yeah

[@TheLochs]

What a great story!! Love it.

[@1funkyflyguy]

That's a fantastic story. I could see that in a move script set in the 2000's, about a young group kid's on a road trip to a music festival having this amazing encounter during the journey on their adventure.

[@KieranThinks]

A beautiful soul, and such a talent. Hard to imagine what music would be like without his influence. His records are timeless! Rip

[@mariogmajner6549]

He's a narcissist.

[@KieranThinks]

@@mariogmajner6549 and here you are leaving weird bitter comments about an icon who recently passed away. Nothing I said is in question, you're just a weirdo

[@tictactoe4431]

@@mariogmajner6549 You're a nincompoop.

[@mattkinsella9856]

The world would be a VERY different place if Little Richard hadn't lived his life. This man had a more profound effect on humanity than most people could ever imagine.

[@chipgaasche4933]

Oh..but YOU can imagine, matt?? Lol

[@kichigan1]

Founding father of Rock 'n' Roll

[@Nothing-qq4hd]

Satan incarnate

[@engagementengagement8836]

Master33 your mythology isn’t real

[@Nothing-qq4hd]

@Rip Torn i seldom look at what i know od waiting for me to look at. Only a narcissist tends to a mirror. Now run off to your cupboard and pretend its not what YOU SEE.

[@stevenmacphail1136]

Eddie Murphy would have a field day impersonating this guy.

[@timothymayo5833]

look for The Little Richard Simmons Show sketch.

[@jongilbertson2106]

“Good golly Miss Molly. You look like a hog.” Little Richard Simmons

[@cactaceous]

Timothy Mayo I think he was being sarcastic dude!

[@larry45044]

jamie foxx did a funny little richard

[@macCloud2021]

Steven MacPhail just like when his brother impersonated Rick James 🙂 ”I'm Rick James bitch”

[@erinwright3351]

The only guy you can refer to as "Little Dick" and he thinks it's absolutely delightful! What a genius interview.

[@QueenetBowie]

This is one of the best Cavett interviews I’ve seen yet. These guys are awesome.

[@michaelbaughman2848]

And the one with JANIS too!

[@user-yz9kz6vt9y]

@@michaelbaughman2848 Yeah, Janis has an awesome personality too.

[@adonaiyah2196]

@@michaelbaughman2848 he was inside janis

[@mypal1990]

Little Richard is such an amazing guest. He shows what he's got. And he's brutally honest when answering questions.

[@stevehorspool2969]

The way he stares down the audience is one of the funniest things I've ever seen! 😆🤣🤣 Shut up

[@niqulusviii987]

For real!

[@DreamyTee123]

Right soo hilarious! No one is talking about it right in the comments lol

[@imocchidoro]

As kids we would be playing outside and my mother would call out the door "Little Richard is coming on TV" and we would all run inside to watch. Just love him.

[@lanceanderson5826]

Saw Little Richard in LAX back in May of 1992, when he noticed me looking at him from 100' away, he flashed me a nice smile. RIP LR

[@alishamccormick7804]

That was nice of him to do! I'm sure you will never forget that!!

[@elena16350]

Little Richard was brilliant, English crowds loved him, why wouldn’t they, the most talented rocker of all.

[@sto620]

Little Richard brought joy to people’s lives with his music and outsized personality. Beautiful person.

[@genatzvalee]

Wow, I had NO idea Little Richard was so hilarious! This man's hysterical!!! I've listened to his music for ages but this is the 1st time I heard him speak, and man, his speaking voice is as awesome as his singing voice! And his attitude is incredible.

[@alexkx8599]

I LOVE Little Richard. I'm sorry that he passed but so thankful he came through...

[@krisinsaigon]

I love his attitude, there is no bullshit to this man

[@1oolabob]

Little Richard was one of those rare people that you just can't help loving. He just went through life stealing every heart he met.

[@91dodgespiritrt]

I can definitely help it. HA, HA

[@justinroberts7291]

One of the greatest of all time. Rock n roll owes so much to this man.

[@nateroelke6891]

Unbelievable interview

[@justinpipes85]

Did Little Richard really invent the Valley Girl "shut up!"?

[@DavidSmith-ss1cg]

It's actually an old-school gay diva thing; I can just imagine Nathan Lane doing the same thing in "The Birdcage." Mr Penniman is on his best behavior here, and people had learned about his life and his struggle for respect, and appreciated and loved him. But his band members, including Jimi Hendrix, told tales of him terrorizing and bullying them - he was the star, and the boss, and they had to do what he said. He's naturally entertaining - it's his talent - and so people will generally forgive him for anything. It's fantastic to see Cavett's old shows, to see the famous guests - he had on a good cross-section of pop culture of that time, and it's wonderful to see them, younger and in their prime, and since Mr Cavett puts them at ease, their regular personalities shine out.

[@justinpipes85]

@@DavidSmith-ss1cg I'm digging the interviews. So much great history. I wasn't even born till 1985 so its really awesome to see these old interviews.

[@jukesjointOG]

“AaaaWOOOooooooooo!” He was very funny and gracious. Great interview.

[@IMeMineWho]

I am a Jewish female performer who performed onstage with Little Richard in the 90s. I will always remember Richard's generosity (and his perfume..like Richard it was over tbe top).

[@dhaley8847]

wow I never knew he had so many talented people with him. Very impressive. I have heard the Beatles praise him, but I never knew he had Jimmy Hendrix in his band or Ottis Redding and James Brown! Wow

[@richardcory5024]

Yes and he was not pleased that Jimi Hendrix regularly upstaged him. It contributed to a parting of the ways.

[@marshayemanuel1991]

Right

[@zackary87kr]

Well, when you're Jewish, they do you like that!

[@yazidmanou9371]

Little Richard had Jimi (calling himself Maurice James then) playing in his band for about 6 months (end of 1964 to june/july 1965, not 4 years !).

[@Artimao]

Little Richard not only inspired the Beatles to love Rock and Roll, he also gave them a chance

[@ThefightingCelt]

What a force of nature Little Richard was . No wonder David Bowie cited him as his musical hero .

[@francoisbessing]

Oh wow I didn't know Bowie said that. Awesome!

[@LPJack02]

RIP and long live Little Richard (December 5, 1932 - May 9, 2020), aged 87 You will always be remembered as a legend.

[@bretvyon2336]

Little Richard looks like he’s about to front a big new Hendrix style psychedelic rock band.

[@2TV1]

“I ‘m just a showman.” Understatement of the century. Love this soul.

[@JZDMC1212]

Met Little Richard 7/2000 - on same flight- SFO-LAX -Really nice man

[@TroyBlackford]

This guy would be awesome for his music alone, but he's so hilarious and interesting: I'd listen to him do interviews even if his music was boring! The full package.

[@andrewaronson3364]

it's crazy how out he was back in the day when you think about it

[@Les537]

It was a time when being different and doing your own thing was the popular thing to do. Though for most it just meant growing hair, not washing and smoking a heck of a lot of dope.

[@arriuscalpurniuspiso]

In the end, he went in the closet for his church. A damn shame he gave up his individuality to please the cult of Jesus

[@PC24800]

I once worked with him at Nottingham Intercon UK. I think that he found it uneasy to be himself in a one to one situation. Like many performers, they grow to be lost without the performance and the praise every time they shut their mouths. In front of his public though, he was WONDERFUL. R.I.P.

[@southlondon86]

He discovered the Beatles!?? On top of already being a legend! OK Netflix better be making this man’s biopic right now, pandemic or not!

[@anonb4632]

@osu22221 Other search engines are available. Don't allow Google to censor and control everything you see.

[@anonb4632]

No, Little Richard didn't. He was a pioneer of rock 'n' roll, but the Beatles were discovered in England by Englishmen, long before the Americans had ever heard of them.

[@anonb4632]

@Glo Boa Well aware of that. Google has already demonetised and censored it. Unfortunately no viable alternative around just now. Some material on Vimeo. I do not use Google's search engine at all. I will leave KZbin when it becomes a subscription service for everyone (which they are pushing just now)

[@anonb4632]

@what im saying is You can use the internet with little to no contact with Google. KZbin is about the only thing of theirs I use. I don't use their search engine, email, maps or any of that stuff. I've a feeling that KZbin's going to probably shrivel up in the next few years when they try and make it totally paid subscription. It's already been trashed a lot.

[@anonb4632]

@what im saying is Think you have the wrong end of the stick. If you want to sell your soul to them that is your choice and your problem. Not mine. If you do so, more fool you.

[@frabber321]

He was at the root of so many things. OMG!

[@adoreslaurel]

This man generates so much electricty, if he had a power outlet, you could run your house for a whole year off him.

[@mariogmajner6549]

What a narcissist.

[@bonniesilva5162]

@@mariogmajner6549 "If you GOT it, FLAUNT it!!! And Little Richard did!😁😁😁

[@hectoraguilar1307]

The Man, The Myth, The Legend. He was and is one of my music Icons.

[@flamingpieherman9822]

I love how he kept saying when your Jewish they just do you like that!

[@tyylit]

i think he meant it as an euphemism for being black

[@anonb4632]

@@tyylit How's it euphemistic?

[@orbitunderground4475]

@@tyylit yes, I agree

[@rgractor]

This is the greatest interview ever.

[@Mr.Rocklight]

Love Little Richard..One of the Best Ever..was onstage at Ravinia outside Chicago..Met him..Great person..

[@NARKISDUDE]

A very lovely person he was.

[@EphemeralProductions]

I didn't realize he was using the "shutup" thing way back then! LOL

[@alanmorris7669]

His "shut up" phrase is what helped to make him famous.

[@Jamesharris-lo9nn]

Gotta love this guy, one of a kind for sure! What an incredible singer and entertainer he was!

[@davegibson4157]

Little Richard is 100% GENIUS! light years ahead of his time! Untouchable!

[@andrendi3796]

Dude's character is egomaniac as heck yet he speaks so humbly about giving the beatles hendrix and the rolling stones their start. He could literally say he created music as we know it today yet he doesn't. I love Him.

[@Oscarji888]

Good god, never have I ever witnessed a more impressive name dropping session.... he practically raised the music world as we know it!

[@MariaH.-op4zi]

Awesome interview.. Enjoyed

[@orlandocurtis3093]

Who would have known that this TALENTED BROTHER had a hand in all those careers... I for one never new those things. Thank you for who ever posted that!!!

[@alan1james]

Little Richard, Wonderful artist, cheers and rock on forever!

[@overcompensation985]

He did all of that and more. Every rock fan out there needs to thank God that Little Richard was born.

[@mekelreen9869]

“Shut up.” “Yes...yes sir..”

[@Briansmusic-]

Brian Epstein booked them on the same tour as him and eventually they became top of the bill. Billy Preston was in his band and George later remembered Billy and signed him to Apple in 1969. But Little Richard is a little big headed here but so what. He was GOOD and inpirered them to imitate what he did. Paul got his screaming rock voice from Richard.

[@mrpentium]

Shut Up (lol)

[@wildmercuryfilms]

They knew Billy Preston BEFORE that tour. They met Billy Preston in 1960 or 1961 in Hamburg. EDIT: Oh shit: You’re right. They met Preston in Hamburg, as I thought, but it was ‘62 while he was playing in Little Richard’s band

[@wildmercuryfilms]

But you’re right: The Beatles talked about 3 artists more than ANY OTHERS as their influences: ELVIS, BUDDY HOLLY and LITTLE RICHARD. Those were their EARLY influences. Later, John would be influenced by Bob Dylan, and Paul would be influenced by Brian Wilson, and George would be influenced by Ravi Shankar, and Ringo got along with everyone & played his part perfectly.

[@osamabinladen824]

@@wildmercuryfilms Everybody was influencing everybody at the time.

[@diamondd2778]

I THINK HE WAS JUST BEIN FUNNY.

[@Slobberthegoat]

I love little Richard. One of my favorite scenes of him was in the movie Mystery Alaska. It's a good movie, but worth it just to see little Richard.

[@basilrose]

He was SO FAR ahead of his time! Thank you for everything Mr. Penniman, rest in peaceful greatness

[@fixxxer3456]

It's shame he was never comfortable in his sexuality. He was a funny, smart amazing man

[@TheChristafershawn]

@Drew Down He denounced homosexuality in his recent and later years actually. It was in conflict with his religious beliefs despite being a gay man himself. So no, he was not all that comfortable with it.

[@sheisbrit17]

Yeah it was a shame.

[@andyd3447]

he came from a very different time. Most people his age never came to terms with their sexuality.

[@forgive7449]

@@andyd3447 shut up 😐

[@andyd3447]

@@forgive7449 did that hit too close to home for you alex?

[@paulrevere2928]

He was from Macon GA and one of a kind, it’s so hot there in summer it will make one go blind... R.I.P. Little Richard

[@HhEeAaDd]

The Greatest interviewee in History, without a doubt is Little Richard!!

[@mgalore]

I've been watching all these lil Richard interviews he was a beautiful man , and if Little Richard was alive he would love to hear that. True true genuine human being rest in peace

[@ronwilliams357]

He was really WAY ahead of his time, both in vocal performance (he invented the screaming vocals technique that became the foundation of Heavy Metal), and here he shows his then-unique high-energy presence and "performance" in a TV interview that was simply not done at the time (the norm was to be low-key and conversational). But now, it's exactly the norm in TV interviews to be high energy like that.

[@marisolhc3610]

Thank you for sharing this interview 🙏🏻

[@melvert33]

When he was on The Simpsons..."I'm the one who taught Paul McCartney how to go whooooh"

[@nataliedelagrandiere4022]

Little Richard was so funny! Dick Cavett was delighted. This is a great video.

[@toastertwo1602]

The Georgia Peach 🍑

[@jaelge]

Little Richard; the queen of rock and roll.

[@mikee6220]

This man is such a showman. Such a Godly man. Like he spread “Spread the good word.”

[@Pencilman246]

Definitely didn’t discover the Beatles as they already had their first record out on Parlophone when they met Little Richard, but he was definitely a huge influence from early on and they were still yet to make it in London (were only popular in Liverpool and Hamburg by then) before they played with him. RIP Little Richard.

[@keepmoving2023-ku7nb]

Lil Richard discovered the Beatles and when they met the Beatles got bigger and the rest was history

[@ADITLOyo]

Lol love this dude 🤣 I'd wear that too, looks very comfortable.

[@marc404]

That has to be the greatest clip i've seen from a Dick Cavett clip and I've trawled youtube.

[@ronanrogers4127]

Richard’s intelligence really shines through

[@RayBrookes1954]

Such an electrifying and entertaining fellow. A man who gave us so much in those early rock n roll days.

[@JoelWetzel]

I met a guitarist who claimed to have been in Little Richard's band, even playing on the Tonight Show. He said paydays were on Monday one week then Tuesday the next, and so on. Why? At the end of the cycle he'd worked a week for free.

[@HugoVargas-yk9up]

I'm smiling while watching this interview. So electrifying!🙏💙

[@timmy13duffy]

Absolutely Fascinating!!! Brilliant artist!!

[@Larsanator]

I miss Little Richard. Thanks for sharing!

[@StrawberryFeildsforNever]

This is the first interview I’ve ever seen of him. Best first impression ever 💀 I have to go listen to his music now

[@kathyhalliburtonmarka2354]

I have always believed everything he ever said, he did not receive the credit that he deserved, he was the King, always and forever, miss and love you for ever more❤️

[@fougee1]

Saw him live with the band Chicago back in the early 1970's at University of Rhode Island what a SHOW!!

[@lionkings4532]

Do tell!!!!!!

[@martinmoreno3015]

Little Richard was not only a musical genius, but a very smart person with a great sense of humor. I find him hilarious and I love how he is toying with Dick in this interview.

[@91dodgespiritrt]

No, the only thing Little richard was - was a flamboyant has been. HA, HA

[@danielbisson8032]

THIS WAS WHEN HE WAS REALLY OUT HE WENT THROUGH LOTS OF CHANGES

[@AnthonyKiyola]

Great interview. Little Richard was an absolutely gorgeous person.

[@0HARE]

He’s just so damn beautiful!

[@firefightergoggie]

Love when Rock n' Roll talks like a real rock n' roller. Spreading the word... saving lives. Thank you Little Richard!

[@BlueSoulJim]

Even before glam rock

[@fauxtography1018]

I've been a fan of Little Richard's music forever, but this is the first interview I've ever seen. Some of Dick's stuff hasn't aged well, but this is gold.

[@rayhanes1347]

Back in these days stars weren't born, they were made. Then they had to perfect their craft in the hot basements and hole in the wall clubs before luckily catching the right ear or hit. Only the fittest made it to the top. That's why the music they made was so good.

[@paulisthelegend]

Very true.

[@okifurbi]

What a discovery this guy’s personality. Love him even more now.