Once I went to a hotel where Tom Jones and Little Richard were staying; they were having a concert that night. Roland and I were the only ones there. While we were waiting in the courtyard of the hotel, a limo pulled in.
The chauffeur opened the door and Tom Jones stepped out. Roland took a few pictures of him, and Tom Jones stopped and posed. I walked up and asked him if I could have his autograph and he very rudely said "I don't have time for that now". But he stopped again before he entered the building so Roland could take some more pictures.
I was crushed. I wasn't much of a fan of his, "It's Not Unusual" was okay, but not really my style. My mother loved him though, and I was going to get the autograph for her.
About 30 minutes later, a car pulled up and Little Richard got out.
I was blown away, he has been one of my idols forever.
I wasn't even going to ask him for an autograph I was so starstruck.
Roland took some pictures of him and then Little Richard turned to me and said "Honey, aren't you even going to ask for my autograph?" His face was one huge smile. I said "Of course I am" and when I went up to him, he gave me a big hug. What I remember most was how strong he was and how beautiful his skin was. I couldn't believe it, I was hugged by Little Richard - Little Richard!!! I loved him. And what a contrast. A legend and an upstart. There's a lesson in that somewhere.