One of the Founding Fathers of rock ’n’ roll, Little Richard (born Richard Penniman) is one of the most influential entertainers in popular music history, best known for his over-the-top performances at the piano and his string of instantly recognizable hit songs, including “Tutti Frutti,” “Good Golly Miss Molly” and “Lucille.” During the course of his 60-plus-year career, the GRAMMY Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has released nearly 80 singles and over 20 studio albums.



This deluxe, 5-LP box set includes the entire output of studio albums recorded by Little Richard for the Specialty and Vee-Jay labels, each in their original, mono mixes: Here’s Little Richard (1957), Little Richard (1958), The Fabulous Little Richard (1959), Little Richard Is Back (1964) and His Greatest Hits (1965). Each LP is housed in a sleeve jacket, within the slipcase. Rounding out the collection is a 16-page booklet featuring new liner notes by journalist Bill Dahl, plus a treasure trove of photos.



Here’s Little Richard (Specialty, 1957): Little Richard’s 1957 debut kicks off with iconic track “Tutti-Frutti,” a song which many consider to mark the birth of rock ’n’ roll. This must-have album also includes the original recordings of such classics as “Long Tall Sally,” “Ready Teddy,” “Jenny Jenny,” “Rip It Up,” “Slippin’ and Slidin’” and more.



Little Richard (Specialty, 1958): By the time he recorded his second, self-titled LP, Little Richard was one of rock ’n’ roll’s biggest stars. Little Richard finds the flamboyant singer coming into his own, with hits “Keep a Knockin’,” “Lucille,” “Good Golly Miss Molly,” and the title track of Jayne Mansfield flick The Girl Can't Help It.



The Fabulous Little Richard (Specialty, 1959): Little Richard’s third album marked the end of his rock ’n’ roll period. Released soon after Richard had traded in a life of fame to focus on religion and spreading the gospel, this final album for Specialty features tracks from Richard’s 1955-57 sessions that, at the time, had not yet been released. Includes “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On,” “Lonesome and Blue” and “Kansas City.”



Little Richard Is Back (Vee-Jay, 1964): Having taken several years to focus on religion and gospel music, Little Richard returned to his rock ’n’ roll roots – kicking off with a European tour (a young band called the Beatles were one of his opening acts). Upon his return, Richard signed a record contract with Vee-Jay Records, for which he recorded a wealth of tracks – both old favorites as well as new tunes, with a backing band that, at times, included Jimi Hendrix on guitar. This album, and His Greatest Hits, are the results of these “comeback” sessions.



His Greatest Hits (Vee-Jay, 1965): In his return to rock ’n’ roll, Little Richard tackled a handful of his best-loved songs in the studio. This is an interesting listen – with nearly a decade of time between the original recordings of songs like “Tutti-Frutti” and “Good Golly Miss Molly,” Richard revisited his classics with new arrangements and instrumentation.