Reviews

Awop Bop Aloo Mop: Little Richard: A Life of Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll...and Religion by Tina Andrews

stacyroth's review

informative fast-paced

3.5

This biography of Little Richard, self-proclaimed Architect of Rock ‘n’ Roll, covers both the personal and professional life of the groundbreaking artist.  I grew up knowing his more popular songs but knew nothing about his life.  It was interesting learning how he became a star, and the backstage at his concerts sounded like something you would expect from a ‘70s or ‘80s rock band, so it sounded like he was trailblazing in more ways than just his music.  I didn’t realize that artists such as Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles toured with Little Richard back in the day, and it was fascinating reading about those relationships. 

<i>Awop Bop Aloo Mop</i> reveals all parts of Little Richard’s life, both positive and negative.  He struggled throughout his life with his attraction to men, going back and forth between his rock and roll career and the orgies that would take place backstage and his Christian faith, ashamed of his sexual orientation.  It was sad to see how he struggled to accept himself. 

This candid tale of Little Richard’s life, originally published shortly before his death, is a quick and frank read.  I would recommend this biography to those who like music and want to know more about rock and roll history.  Sean Crisden did an excellent job narrating the audiobook. 

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.