Rock and Roll Legends

Good golly, happy birthday to Little Richard, born Richard Wayne Penniman on December 5, 1932, in Macon, Georgia. Where would rock and roll be without him and his pioneering? With that in mind, here’s a little bit about his golden oldie “Good Golly Miss Molly.”

The song is credited to songwriter John Marascalco and producer Robert “Bumps” Blackwell, who recorded and released it first with The Valiants. However, Little Richard’s version became the big hit,  going to #10 on the Billboard Pop Chart and #4 on the R&B Chart in 1958. The phrase “Good golly, Miss Molly” was from the DJ Jimmy Pennick. Some of the hot piano playing was influenced by the 1951 R&B song “Rocket 88” (recorded by Ike Turner’s  Kings of Rhythm and credited to Jackie Bresnton and His Delta Cats). But Little Richard does it all with his own energy and style –the  playing, the vocals, and the performance. Over the years,  he has brought joy to millions through his music.

Here are the lyrics to “Good Golly Miss Molly” by Little Richard:

Good golly Miss Molly, sure like to ball.
Good golly, Miss Molly, sure like to ball.
When you’re rockin’ and a rollin’ can’t hear your momma call.

Good golly Miss Molly, sure like to ball.
Good golly, Miss Molly, sure like to ball.
When you’re rockin’ and a rollin’ can’t hear your momma call.

From the early, early mornin’ till the early, early night
You can see miss Molly rockin’ at the house of blue light.
Good golly, miss Molly, sure like to ball.
When you’re rockin’ and a rollin’ can’t hear your momma call.

I am going to the corner, gonna buy a diamond ring.
When she hugs me and kiss me make me ting-a-ling-a-ling
Good golly, Miss Molly, sure like to ball.
When you’re rockin’ and a rollin’ can’t hear your momma call.

For more songs by Little Richard: “Long Tall Sally,” “Tutti Frutti” and “Keep A-Knockin.”

For More Golden Oldies Music

For More Golden Oldies Music                

The Daily Doo Wop Rec Room has daily featured doo wop, rock and roll, R&B, or rockabilly songs that were hits during the first era of rock and roll (that is, from about 1952 until the British invasion in 1964). After a song is featured, it then goes into the juke box. You are welcome to listen to any of the 40+ selections there. Every weekend, there is a Golden Oldies Juke Box Saturday Night, and the juke box is full of song requests from the 1950s and 1960s.

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