About the Song
Little Richard and the electrifying energy of “Ooh! My Soul”
In the realm of Rock and Roll’s founding fathers, Little Richard stands as a towering figure, an artist whose untamed energy and flamboyant persona epitomized the genre’s rebellious spirit. Among the many gems in his crown, “Ooh! My Soul” shines particularly bright, a testament to his infectious enthusiasm and genre-bending brilliance.
Released in 1958, “Ooh! My Soul” burst onto the music scene like a shot of adrenaline, its opening piano riff and Richard’s impassioned vocals instantly grabbing the listener’s attention. The song’s frenetic pace and untamed energy captured the raw essence of Rock and Roll, while its simple yet infectious melody made it an instant earworm.
Richard’s vocal delivery on “Ooh! My Soul” is nothing short of electrifying. His voice soars and swoops, dripping with emotion and barely contained within the confines of the song’s structure. He yelps, he shouts, he growls, and he croons, each vocal inflection adding another layer to the song’s already potent emotional impact.
The lyrics to “Ooh! My Soul” are as unrestrained as Richard’s vocals, brimming with unrestrained joy and unrestrained passion. The song is a celebration of life, love, and the sheer exhilaration of being alive, its message of uninhibited self-expression resonating deeply with listeners.
Beyond its lyrical and vocal prowess, “Ooh! My Soul” is also a masterclass in musical arrangement. The song’s driving rhythm section, courtesy of drummer Charles Connor and bassist Lee Allen, provides a solid foundation for Richard’s vocal acrobatics, while the soaring saxophones of Grady Gaines and Lee Collins add an extra layer of excitement.
The impact of “Ooh! My Soul” on popular music is undeniable. The song has been covered by countless artists across genres, from Elvis Presley to The Beatles, and its influence can be heard in the music of countless Rock and Roll, R&B, and Soul artists who followed in Richard’s footsteps.
“Ooh! My Soul” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone, a sonic snapshot of a moment in time when Rock and Roll was young, untamed, and full of boundless potential. It’s a song that celebrates the joy of living, the power of self-expression, and the sheer unadulterated fun of making music. In the ever-evolving landscape of popular music, “Ooh! My Soul” remains a timeless classic, a testament to the enduring power of Little Richard’s electrifying genius.
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Lyrics
Baby baby baby baby baby,
Don’t you know my love is true,
Honey honey honey honey honey,
Get up off of that money,
Love love love love love,
Ooh! my soul.
Baby baby baby baby baby,
Don’t you know my love is true,
Honey honey honey honey honey,
Get up off of that money,
Kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss,
Ooh! my soul.
Baby baby baby baby baby,
Don’t you know my love for you,
Honey honey honey honey honey,
Get up off of that money,
Love love love love love,
Ooh! my soul.
Gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie,
Gimmie all the love you got,
Gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie,
You got the best of lovin’ now,
Love love love love love,
Ooh! my soul.