Little Richard and Pancake #31

Today's Post is about "Little Richard" who was born 80 years ago today in Macon, Georgia.While we could go on and on about this musical legend's enormous talents and contributions. It is with great pride that I take this time to discuss his other valuable contribution, his style.  Little Richard was wildly popular in the 1950's and some of this had to be in part to his flashy style which included pancake #31.

Although beauty is a billionaire dollar industry it wasn't until the mid to late 90's that colors were available for darker tones of women. Pancake was/is the earliest version of readily available make up for women of color. Little Richard although a man wore this make up as well as flashy gowns, lashes and exotic costumes. He brought flashiness to the stage in a wild and entertaining way and made women think well if a man can look that good.

So in that spirit we salute you Little Richard on this your 80th birthday! Thank you for your music, your gifts and your lasting impressions.

To find out more about men in make up go to: Men in Makeup