About the song
Little Richard and the Enduring Power of “Tutti Frutti”
In the realm of rock and roll, there are a select few figures who stand as true pioneers, larger-than-life icons who helped shape the genre’s very essence. Among them, Little Richard stands as a towering figure, an artist whose electrifying energy, flamboyant style, and infectious music left an indelible mark on the landscape of popular culture. And at the forefront of his groundbreaking sound was his 1955 anthem, “Tutti Frutti.”
Released over 65 years ago, “Tutti Frutti” remains an enduring testament to Little Richard’s raw talent and the untamed spirit of rock and roll. From its opening salvo of the iconic “A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop!” to its pulsating rhythm and unrestrained vocals, the song exudes an infectious energy that has captivated audiences for generations.
Little Richard’s vocal delivery on “Tutti Frutti” is nothing short of legendary. His voice, imbued with both raw power and playful exuberance, soars over the driving beat, imbuing the lyrics with an irresistible urgency. He doesn’t merely sing; he commands attention, his voice a force of nature that perfectly complements the song’s untamed energy.
The lyrics themselves, while seemingly simple and repetitive, are a masterclass in call-and-response songwriting. Little Richard tosses out a list of fruit and dessert treats, each one met with an enthusiastic “Tutti Frutti!” from the backing vocals. This playful exchange creates a sense of communal joy, inviting the listener to join in the celebration.
Beyond its infectious energy and catchy lyrics, “Tutti Frutti” holds a significant place in rock and roll history. It was one of the first songs to fully embrace the genre’s raw, untamed spirit, breaking away from the softer sounds of the era and paving the way for a new wave of rock and roll artists.
Little Richard’s “Tutti Frutti” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone, a vibrant emblem of rock and roll’s untamed spirit and enduring power. Its influence can be heard in countless artists who followed in Little Richard’s footsteps, and its infectious energy continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As a testament to its enduring legacy, “Tutti Frutti” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998, solidifying its place among the most iconic and influential songs in music history.
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Lyrics
Wop bop a loo bop a lop bom bom
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
A wop bop a loo bop a lop ba ba
I got a gal, named Sue, she knows just what to do
I got a gal, named Sue, she knows just what to do
She rock to the East, she rock to the West
But she’s the gal that I love best
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie, ooh
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
A wop bop a loo bop a lop bom bom
I got a gal, named Daisy, she almost drives me crazy
Got a gal, named Daisy, she almost drives me crazy
She knows how to love me, yes indeed
Boy you don’t know what she do to me
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie, ooh
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Wop bop a loo bop, ow
Oh tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie, ooh
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
A wop bop a loo bop a lop bom bom
I got a gal, named Daisy, she almost drive me crazy
Got a gal, named Daisy, she almost drive me crazy
She knows how to love me, yes indeed
Boy you don’t know what she do to me
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie, ooh
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
A wop bop a loo bop a lop bam boom