Run time: 101 mins

Lisa Cortes’s essential documentary traces the outrageous life of the colourful artist who pioneered rock ‘n’ roll music.

After a religious upbringing in rural Georgia, Richard Penniman was thrown out of his home for being gay. He began performing in the late 1940s, mixing gospel with blues and boogie to create his own sound. When he released hit single Tutti Frutti in 1955, he effectively launched a new genre. Sensing major chart success, executives re-recorded many of his songs with white musicians but despite this, Richard remained a huge draw to integrated audiences and became the mainstream star he was destined to be.

Moving at a brisk pace, Cortes unfolds the story chronologically, narrated by Richard himself in archival recordings. Alongside this is commentary from artists who were inspired by him and worked with him. Terrific historical footage is mixed together with illustrative period clips, including a wide range of musical performances that serve as an undeniable reminder of just how ahead of his time Richard was. His influence has been overwhelmingly clear on artists ever since, from David Bowie to Michael Jackson, Boy George, Prince, Lil Nas X and Harry Styles.

A force of nature who altered the landscape through his sheer force of personality, Little Richard is still seen absolutely everywhere.