As a testament to David Bowie and Little Richard’s trailblazing careers in the music industry, both artists are individually and posthumously nominated for Best Music Film at this year’s GRAMMY Awards. Check out the full 2024 GRAMMY nominations here.
Little Richard, born as Richard Wayne Penniman, and better known as “The Architect of Rock and Roll,” earns his first-ever nomination for the film Little Richard: I Am Everything. The Lisa Cortés-directed film delves into Penniman’s pioneering influence in developmental rock music, starting from the 1950s with singles “Tutti Frutti, “Long Tall Sally” and “Good Golly, Miss Molly.”
Little Richard’s vivacious piano fingers lend to his larger-than-life persona; however, they weren’t the only characteristics that drew attention. His flamboyant, extravagant and rhinestoned stage outfits reshaped typical gender norms within rock and roll culture during his time. Perhaps 2009’s The Domino Effect Benefit Concert is the most quintessential Little Richard has ever looked, while his younger years displayed his toned abs more.
On the other hand, English icon David Bowie received his own soundtrack to life with Moonage Daydream. Director Brett Morgan compiled archival footage of the “Under Pressure” singer’s career-spanning contributions. Bowie’s influence can be found in countless aspects of glam rock, art rock and electronic music from the 20th century.
Championed as an androgynous style icon, Bowie’s iconic Ziggy Stardust persona (replicated by Lady Gaga at the 2017 Super Bowl Halftime Show) styled the 1970s in a flashy and futuristic wardrobe, accentuated with unconventional silhouettes while simultaneously rejecting conventional pop music storytelling.
The 2024 GRAMMYs airs on Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+, with earlier awards commencing at 3 p.m. ET.
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