Which label signed Little Richard in 1955?

• A. Specialty Records
• B. Sun Records
• C. Atlantic Records
• D. Motown

Answer: (A)

Signing with Specialty Records in 1955 gave Little Richard his breakout moment. Specialty Records, run by Art Rupe in Los Angeles, specialized in rhythm and blues and early rock ’n’ roll and released his breakthrough hit Tutti Frutti, produced by Bumps Blackwell. The record’s high-energy, gospel-inflected shout and driving piano helped it surge onto the charts and established the bold, charismatic vocal style that would shape rock music. This connection—Little Richard with Specialty Records—stood at the start of his rise to national fame. Other labels like Sun Records, Atlantic Records, and Motown were important in their own right for different artists and sounds, but it was Specialty Records that signed him in 1955 and propelled his career at that moment.