Macon, Georgia – hometown of legendary performing artist, Little Richard Penniman – will be celebrating what would have been his 91st birthday in a big way as Macon businesses come together to host 3-days of events surrounding the artist’s birthday on December 5th! 

As part of this 3-day celebration, Visit Macon is proud to welcome back British author Jordan Bassett for multiple Q+A and book signing opportunities for his newly released book, Here's Little Richard.

Jordan Bassett is a music journalist based in London who has written for the BBC, NME, Esquire, Grazia and many more. He is the former Commissioning Editor (Music) at NME (New Musical Express, a British music, film, gaming and culture website & brand founded in 1952 as “the world’s defining voice in music and pop culture.”), where he worked for nearly a decade. 

Earlier this year Bassett spent time in Macon, where he noted the day he visited H&H Restaurant, the Otis Redding Foundation, Capricorn Sound Studios & Museum, The Little Richard House Resource Center, Sid's Sandwich Shop, The Washington Memorial Library, and the Douglass Theater (for the premier of Little Richard: I Am Everything) was "honestly one of the best days of my life." 

Basset wrote about his experience in Little Richard's hometown for Vintage Rock Magazine, the article of which was awarded the cover story. 

His book Here's Little Richard  was released on November 2nd, 2023 via Bloomsbury Publishing’s 33 ⅓ series.  The book celebrates Little Richard’s classic debut album ‘Here’s Little Richard’ and features interviews with Elton John, Dave Grohl, Joan Jett, Nile Rodgers, Tom Jones, Candi Staton and more. Those close to the tale pinpoint the ways in which 'Long Tall Sally' and 'Tutti Frutti' remain omnipresent – and why the latter was the 'WAP' of its day. This is the story of how Little Richard changed the world in 28 minutes and 30 seconds. 

The full 3-day event schedule, including all appearances with the author are presently as follows:

(Schedule may be subject to change & additions.)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4:

The Douglass Theater, 355 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.

• 5pm: The Douglass Theater will host a Reception and Q&A with “Here’s Little Richard” Author, Jordan Bassett 

• 6pm: 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:

• 9am- 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

• 10am- 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

• 2pm - Visit the childhood home of Little Richard and enjoy one of Macon’s Historical Landmarks! Tours will be available.

• 3pm - Book signing will begin in the main conference room and allow an opportunity to meet the author. 

• 3pm to 7pm - Little Richard History Tours/Each room will feature different information about Little Richard Penniman.

• 3pm to 7pm - Outdoor activities including a  bouncy house, music, food, desserts.  The event is free to the public, in partnership with Macon-Bibb CEA.

• 6pm  Honor Little Richard with cake and ice cream! 

Hightails Rooftop Bar at Hotel Forty Five, 401 Cotton Avenue

• 5pm- Enjoy a Little Richard Cocktail Party and Meet & Greet with the Author

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6:

The Society Garden, 2389 Ingleside Avenue

• 5pm: A Little Richard Birthday Party! Drink specials will be available all night.

• 6pm - 8pm: Little Richard Bingo hosted by drag queens paying homage to the Architect of Rock n’ Roll himself!  Prizes 

Grant’s Lounge, 576 Poplar Street

• 7:30pm - 10:30pm: 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. For more information, please email [email protected] or visit our website at http://www.visitmacon.org.