Little Richard and Jimi Hendrix Rare Live Recording Set for Auction
A recently unearthed live recording featuring Little Richard and a young Jimi Hendrix is generating excitement among music enthusiasts. This 1965 performance, captured at Boston's Back Bay Theatre, is considered a rare gem due to the scarcity of recordings showcasing Hendrix before his rise to fame.
The Historical Context
In 1965, Jimi Hendrix was a relatively unknown 22-year-old guitarist. He had recently joined Little Richard's backing band, The Upsetters, following a stint with the Isley Brothers. Despite his brief tenure with Little Richard—cut short due to conflicts over his flamboyant stage presence and disputes regarding pay—Hendrix's time with the band was crucial in shaping his musical style. The recording, engineered by Boston radio personality Little Walter DeVenne, has been preserved in DeVenne's personal archive until its recent discovery.
Little Richard's brother and tour manager Robert Penniman also revealed why he was forced to fire Hendrix. “I fired Hendrix, who was using the name Maurice James all the time I knew him. He was a damn good guitar player, but the guy was never on time.
“He was always late for the bus and flirting with the girls and stuff like that. It came to a head in New York, where we had been playing the Apollo and Hendrix missed the bus for Washington, DC. I finally got Richard to cut him loose.”
Despite the short working relationship, Hendrix learned a lot from Little Richard, famously saying, “I want to do with my guitar what Little Richard does with his voice.”
The Auction
RR Auction in Boston is handling the sale of this historic recording, with bids starting at $40,000. Bobby Livingston, Executive Vice President at RR Auction, likens the discovery of this recording to finding a "musical holy grail." The tape features a setlist of rock 'n' roll standards, including renditions of "I Saw Her Standing There," "Lucille," and "Shake a Hand," blending the dynamic performances of both Little Richard and Hendrix.
Additional Items
In addition to the Hendrix recording, the auction features other notable memorabilia, such as a psychedelic sketch by Hendrix and a rare painting by Bob Dylan. The Dylan piece, created around 1968 during his time in Woodstock, has already garnered significant attention with bids exceeding $129,000.
Significance of the Recording
This recording is not just a collectible but a piece of music history, capturing the early synergy between two legends. Little Richard, known as the "Architect of Rock and Roll," and Hendrix, who would later revolutionize electric guitar playing, represent pivotal moments in the evolution of rock music. This recording offers a glimpse into the formative years of Hendrix's career and the vibrant live performances that characterized Little Richard's shows.
The auction of this live recording is a landmark event for collectors and fans alike, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of rock 'n' roll history. It underscores the enduring legacy of Little Richard and Jimi Hendrix, whose contributions continue to influence music today.
For more details on the auction and to place a bid, visit RR Auction's official website.