Little Richard

Radha Botofasina’s New Album of Spirituals Soon Available on Vinyl

“The Spirituals, Vol. 2: Carry On,” a new release from Radha Botofasina, vocalist/pianist/harpist/composer and longtime collaborator of Alice Coltrane, will be available on vinyl March 1. The collection of spirituals in Botofasina’s singular, roots-based style meshes gospel sensibilities with contemporary and eastern influences to deliver potently unique renditions of such foundational songs as “Satan, We Gonna Tear Your Kingdom Down” and “Mary, Don’t You Weep.” The sonically revelatory album is a follow up to Botofasina’s similarly-themed 2009 release, “The Spirituals,” and each track is rooted in a Biblical story.

Little Richard laid to rest at Alabama alma mater

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) — Little Richard was remembered not just as a rock ‘n’ roll pioneer but a man of generosity and faith at a memorial service at his alma mater where he was laid to rest Wednesday. Mourners gathered at Oakwood University to pay their respects, many wearing face masks and standing a few feet apart at the outdoor service at the school’s cemetery. “What I really remember about Richard was not his stage performances, which were certainly formidable, but what I remember most about Brother Richard, not Little Richard, but Brother Richard, was his incredible kindness and his

Little Richard, Flamboyant Rock ‘N’ Roll Pioneer, Dead at 87

NASHVILLE (AP) — Little Richard, the self-proclaimed “architect of rock ‘n’ roll” whose piercing wail, pounding piano and towering pompadour irrevocably altered popular music while introducing black R&B to white America, has died Saturday. He was 87. Pastor Bill Minson, a close friend of Little Richard’s, told The Associated Press that Little Richard died Saturday morning. Minson said he also spoke to Little Richard’s son and brother. Minson added that the family is not releasing the cause of death. Born Richard Penniman, Little Richard was one of rock ‘n’ roll’s founding fathers who helped shatter the color line on the