Macon marks Little Richard’s 91st birthday with 3-day celebration

Macon is celebrating what would have been the 91st birthday of its legendary son, Little Richard Penniman, with three days of events starting Monday, December 4.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon is celebrating what would have been the 91st birthday of its legendary son, Little Richard Penniman, with three days of events starting Monday, December 4.

Local businesses and cultural institutions are coming together to host activities for both residents and visitors.

As part of the celebration, British author Jordan Bassett, known for his work with BBC, NME, Esquire, and Grazia, will engage in multiple Q+A sessions and book signings for his latest release, “Here’s Little Richard.” Bassett, who visited Macon and its iconic spots earlier this year, described his visit as “one of the best days of my life.”

Bassett’s “Here’s Little Richard,” published on November 2nd by Bloomsbury Publishing, explores Little Richard’s debut album. It includes interviews with music legends like Elton John, Dave Grohl and Joan Jett and also examines why songs like ‘Long Tall Sally’ and ‘Tutti Frutti’ continue to resonate in the modern music landscape.

Here’s the full list of events:

(Schedule may be subject to change & additions.)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4:

The Douglass Theater, 355 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.

• 5 p.m.: The Douglass Theater will host a Reception and Q&A with “Here’s Little Richard” Author, Jordan Bassett
• 6 p.m.: Following the discussion, audiences are invited to a FREE screening of the HBO/CNN Films documentary “Little Richard: I Am Everything” in partnership with the Macon Film Guild and The Macon Film Festival. Light refreshments will be provided.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5:

• 9 a.m. – – Tune in to 100.9 The Creek Radio’s Creekside Morning Show for an appearance with Here’s Little Richard Author Jordan Bassett

Washington Memorial Library, 1180 Washington Avenue

• 10 a.m. – Book Signing featuring Jordan Bassett. The Washington Memorial Library will host an author talk and book signing in the Genealogy and History room – presented by Middle Georgia Regional Library.

The Little Richard House Resource Center, 416 Craft Street

• 2 p.m. – Visit the childhood home of Little Richard and enjoy one of Macon’s Historical Landmarks! Tours will be available.
• 3 p.m. – Book signing will begin in the main conference room and allow an opportunity to meet the author.
• 3-7 p.m. –  Little Richard History Tours/Each room will feature different information about Little Richard Penniman.
• 3-7 p.m. – Outdoor activities including a  bouncy house, music, food, desserts.  The event is free to the public, in partnership with Macon-Bibb CEA.
• 6 p.m. – Honor Little Richard with cake and ice cream!

Hightails Rooftop Bar at Hotel Forty Five, 401 Cotton Avenue

• 5 p.m. – Enjoy a Little Richard Cocktail Party and Meet & Greet with the Author

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6:

The Society Garden, 2389 Ingleside Avenue

• 5 p.m. – A Little Richard Birthday Party! Drink specials will be available all night.
• 6-8 p.m. – Little Richard Bingo hosted by drag queens paying homage to the Architect of Rock n’ Roll himself!  Prizes!

Grant’s Lounge, 576 Poplar Street

• 7:30-10:30 p.m. – Don’t miss a special Little Richard-centric Macon Music Revue at Grant’s Lounge.

Learn more about Little Richard Birthday Celebration and Macon, Georgia’s music history at visitmacon.org/music.