The song, as Richard wrote it, was about gay sex.
I saw that there were elements for documenting something incredibly powerful.
What were the social and cultural conditions that formed this man?
Little RichardCourtesy of Magnolia Pictures
His father was a minister, but also a bootlegger and nightclub owner.
His parents split when he was young.
That ended when Charles booted Richard from the family home after learning his son was gay.
‘Little Richard: I Am Everything’Courtesy of Magnolia Pictures
Richard was born into contradictions, says Cortes.
What we come to know of Richard Wayne Penniman as Little Richard is a journey.
I am the innovator.
I am the originator.
I am the emancipator.
I am the architect of rock n roll!
he would famously boast.
Elvis recorded a swaggy cover of Tutti Frutti.
Both renditions are offered up for amusing comparison in the documentary.
There are also wonderfully revealing interviews from some of rocks most iconic figures.
from Richards trademark whoo!
Unfortunately, a horrific car crash kept him from attending the ceremony.
Three years later, he was asked to induct the late Otis Redding into the Rock Hall.
Cortes calls it the Invisible Thread.
Some of Little Richards issues were of his own making.
There were times he deliberately misled people about his sexuality.
When I read his autobiography, I just thought it was the craziest ride.
But also, in doing my research, I realized there were a lot of inaccuracies.
So as much as you love someone, you still need to call them on the carpet.
Getting to the truth was always the goal for all of us.
Cortes never had a chance to meet Little Richard, but she believes hed be happy with the documentary.
I hope he would have blessed me and hugged me, she says.
There is something to be said for what this film does, in giving him his flowers.
Little Richard: I Am Everythingrecently received a Grammy nomination for Best Music Film.
This is his first Grammy nomination, in an abstract way, offers the director.
Theres a scene in the movie where Little Richard is performing in a mirrored suit.
