I wish there was a way to return Esquerita to his native South Carolina, with all the appropriate fanfare and statuary he deserves. Maybe this beautiful piece is the beginning of a movement to make that happen!
I first heard Esquerita perform when his song "Never Again" was featured on a commemorative CD collection of New Orleans R&B. It was probably one of his more restrained performances on record compared to what he did at Capitol.
I knew vaguely of him, but I had no idea that his influence on Richard was that important...
Pretty eye-opening stuff, Jami! Thanks for this! Never heard of Esquirita, and really wish I would have....I even think I should have! But, that's only really to say I wish Richard would've done more, during his life, to lift him up, and give him the mad props he quite obviously deserved!
For all the noise Richard could have made (and did) about "Black this" and "gay that" he claimed held HIM back, the least he could've done........
I just hope I didn't miss anything, but from where I sit, had Richard ever brought him along on one of his many "Tonight Show" gigs or similar shows, and shared his spotlight, the American audience, at least, would know what WE now know, thanks to YOUR spotlight! Thanks again!
Fabulous article. Have you read Jon Savage's new book The Secret Public: How LGBTQ Resistance Shaped Popular Culture ? It gives a lot of detail about Little Richard's early days and influences. https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571358373-the-secret-public/
Penny - Thank you so much for recommending this book! I just purchased it and look forward to reading. I'm curious what Jon Savage covers and how it intersects with the stories I write here. Much appreciated.
Wow, this is fantastic!! Thank you so much for shining the light on this icon that has seemingly been erased from musical history. This is such meaningful and important work that you’re doing, thank you.
I love that photo of Little Richard with the Beatles -- he has such incredible presence; they look tiny!
They were so young!!
I had to google his height because they all look so small!
What is it in comparison?
He was a couple of cm shorter than Lennon apparently… superb piece by the way, such an interesting history
this beautiful work. amazing and important. thank you.
Great piece of an (for me) unknown star who deserved so much more. It's important these stories are told.
Thank you. I think it’s important too. It’s really the main motivation to keep writing. I appreciate your kind words!
Thanks for the introduction to Esquerita.
I wish there was a way to return Esquerita to his native South Carolina, with all the appropriate fanfare and statuary he deserves. Maybe this beautiful piece is the beginning of a movement to make that happen!
I'd sign this petition!
I first heard Esquerita perform when his song "Never Again" was featured on a commemorative CD collection of New Orleans R&B. It was probably one of his more restrained performances on record compared to what he did at Capitol.
I knew vaguely of him, but I had no idea that his influence on Richard was that important...
Pretty eye-opening stuff, Jami! Thanks for this! Never heard of Esquirita, and really wish I would have....I even think I should have! But, that's only really to say I wish Richard would've done more, during his life, to lift him up, and give him the mad props he quite obviously deserved!
For all the noise Richard could have made (and did) about "Black this" and "gay that" he claimed held HIM back, the least he could've done........
I just hope I didn't miss anything, but from where I sit, had Richard ever brought him along on one of his many "Tonight Show" gigs or similar shows, and shared his spotlight, the American audience, at least, would know what WE now know, thanks to YOUR spotlight! Thanks again!
This was an absolute phenomenal, important read! Thank you so much for for this.
Fabulous article. Have you read Jon Savage's new book The Secret Public: How LGBTQ Resistance Shaped Popular Culture ? It gives a lot of detail about Little Richard's early days and influences. https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571358373-the-secret-public/
Penny - Thank you so much for recommending this book! I just purchased it and look forward to reading. I'm curious what Jon Savage covers and how it intersects with the stories I write here. Much appreciated.
I hope you enjoy it. I found it fascinating.
Esquerita should be a household name. More the articles the better!
Wow, this is fantastic!! Thank you so much for shining the light on this icon that has seemingly been erased from musical history. This is such meaningful and important work that you’re doing, thank you.
A really engaging read that shines a light on Esquerita and gives us more insight into the wonderful Little Richard. Thank you for sharing it with us.