Little Richard’s Electrifying Performance of ‘Tutti Frutti’ That Made History

Did You Know?

“Tutti Frutti” is a rock and roll classic written by Little Richard along with Dorothy LaBostrie. It’s known for its energetic and wild performance style, and it’s considered one of the seminal songs that helped shape the rock and roll genre. Here’s a breakdown of the song:

1. Intro:
   • The song begins with a memorable and instantly recognizable shouted exclamation from Little Richard: “A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop, a-lop-bam-boom!” This exclamation sets the energetic and enthusiastic tone for the entire song.
2. Verse 1:
   • The lyrics introduce the character of “Tutti Frutti” as a girl who knows how to have a good time.
   • Little Richard sings about her being a “rooty” and a “tooty,” suggesting that she’s lively and full of fun.
3. Chorus:
   • The chorus consists of the famous refrain “Tutti Frutti, oh Rudy!” It’s a joyful and infectious chant that captures the spirit of the song.
   • The repetition of the phrase adds to the song’s catchiness.
4. Verse 2:
   • In the second verse, Little Richard continues to describe Tutti Frutti’s wild and carefree nature.
   • He sings about her being “so tutti frutti,” emphasizing her unique and vibrant personality.
5. Bridge:
   • The bridge of the song is where Little Richard lets loose with his signature piano playing and vocalizations.
   • It’s a high-energy instrumental section with Little Richard’s famous “wop-bop-a-loo-bop” chant.
6. Verse 3:
   • The third verse continues to celebrate Tutti Frutti’s vivacious character.
   • Little Richard sings about how she makes him feel good and how he’s “for Tutti Frutti, all over rooty.”
7. Outro:
   • The song ends with a final repetition of the chorus, bringing the high-energy performance to a close.

“Tutti Frutti” is known for its frenetic pace, Little Richard’s flamboyant vocal style, and its exuberant celebration of youth and fun. The song’s lyrics are playful and filled with slang and nonsense words that add to its joyful and carefree vibe.

This song was a breakthrough hit for Little Richard and played a significant role in the early development of rock and roll music. It remains an enduring classic in the genre and is often cited as one of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time.

Video

Lyrics

“Tutti Frutti”