Introduction
“Tutti Frutti” is a historic rock and roll song written by Little Richard and Dorothy LaBostrie. Recorded in 1955, it marked Little Richard’s first major hit and played a significant role in shaping the trajectory of rock and roll music. The song is known for its energetic refrain, often transcribed as “A-wop-bop-a-loo-mop-a-lop-bam-boom!”—a vocalization of a drum pattern that Little Richard had in mind.
The characteristics of “Tutti Frutti,” including its loud volume, powerful vocal style, and distinctive beat and rhythm, made it not only a template for many of Little Richard’s future songs but also a model for the emerging rock and roll genre. It introduced elements that would become defining features of rock music.
In 2007, a panel of recording artists ranked “Tutti Frutti” at No. 1 on Mojo’s “The Top 100 Records That Changed The World,” recognizing it as the sound of the birth of rock and roll. In 2009, the U.S. Library of Congress National Recording Registry added the recording to its registry, noting that the unique vocalizing over the irresistible beat signaled a new era in music. Rolling Stone magazine further emphasized its significance in April 2012 by declaring the refrain as “the most inspired rock lyric ever recorded.” The song’s impact and influence have solidified its place in the history of rock and roll.
Video
Lyrics
A-bop-bop-a-loom-op a-lop-bop-boom!Tutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au ruttiA-bop-bop-a-loom-op a-lop-bop-boom!I got a gal named SueShe knows just what to doI got a gal named SueShe knows just what to doShe rock me to the eastShe roll me to the westShe’s the gal that I love the bestTutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au ruttiA-bop-bop-a-loom-op a-lop-bop-boom!I got a gal named Daisy,She almost drive me crazyI got a gal named Daisy,She almost drive me crazyShe knows how to love me, yes indeedOh boy you don’t know she do to meTutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au ruttiA-bop-bop-a-loom-op a-lop-bop-boom!Well Tutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au ruttiA-bop-bop-a-loom-op a-lop-bop-boom!I got a gal named Daisy,She almost drive me crazyI got a gal named Daisy,She almost drive me crazyShe knows how to love me, yes indeedOh boy you don’t know she do to meTutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au rutti, oooTutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au ruttiTutti Frutti au ruttiA-bop-bop-a-loom-op a-lop-bop-boom!