Which artist grew up singing gospel in church and had his first hit with 'Tutti Frutti' after performing as a boogie-woogie pianist?

• A. Little Richard
• B. Chuck Berry
• C. Fats Domino
• D. Bill Haley

Answer: (A)

Gospel-influenced singing and a boogie-woogie piano approach can ignite a powerful early rock ’n’ roll breakout. Little Richard grew up singing in church, where the gospel tradition shaped his explosive vocal style and expressive phrasing. He also honed a boogie-woogie piano groove that drove his performances with urgent energy. When he stepped into recording in the mid-1950s, Tutti Frutti became his first big hit, blending that gospel-speaking fervor with a blistering piano rhythm and R&B punch, defining a new, high-energy direction for rock and roll.

The other artists are linked to different roots and sounds. Chuck Berry built his influence on guitar-driven blues and clever storytelling; Fats Domino anchored his style in New Orleans rhythm and blues with piano rather than gospel-inflected vocals; Bill Haley came from a country-tinged rockabilly lineage and is known for a different early rock sound.