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For his influence alone, Richard qualifies as one of the all-time greats. His falsetto whoops and unhinged shrieks have inspired generations of rockers, most notably the Beatles. Ditto for his taste in makeup and outrageously hued clothes (David Bowie, anyone?). And as for his lyrics, well, it’s hard to hear ‘Good golly, Miss Molly sure like to ball’ and not think of another guy who’s followed Richard’s lascivious lead, Prince. Yet in the end, what really makes Little Richard an immortal is the sheer sonic force of those supercharged singles. Nearly fifty years on, ‘Awopbaloobopalopbamboom’ still sounds fantastic. — Mac Randall