Mono Box: Complete Specialty/Vee-Jay Albums [5 LP Box Set]

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.

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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.