Unsung heroes of rock: Little Richards' backing band, The Upsetters

Not to be confused with the Jamaican reggae musicians, the American rhythm section known as The Upsetters played a pivotal role in the evolution of blues, rock, and R&B, but they remain largely underacknowledged despite their contributions.

Originating in the mid-1950s, the group consisted of Wilburt "Lee Diamond" Smith on saxophone, Nathaniel "Buster" Douglas on electric guitar, Charles "Chuck" Connor on drums, and Olsie "Bassy" Robinson on bass guitar. Their career took off during a short but vibrant period from 1956 to 1957 when they collaborated with some prominent musicians.

Although The Upsetters were not exactly Little Richard's primary band, they worked closely with him, appearing in several of his films, including The Girl Can't Help It (1956), which also featured Jayne Mansfield. This film helped cement Little Richard’s status as a rock and roll icon and showcased the talents of his supporting musicians.

Songs like "Keep A-Knockin'" and "Ooh! My Soul," which became popular hits in the late 1950s, were part of the time's cultural fabric, reflecting the era's dynamic energy. As Drummer World notes: "The lethal pummeling that [Upsetters drummer] Connor administered to his drums must have left a lasting impact on all future rock 'n' rollers, because 15 years later John Bonham practically reproduced that intro note for note in his opening to Led Zeppelin's 'Rock 'n' Roll'."

One notable fact about The Upsetters is their collaboration with Otis Redding in the early 1960s, backing him during some of his live performances. This collaboration added another layer to their musical legacy, as Redding was on the cusp of becoming one of soul music's most significant figures.

More on The Upsetters and Charles "Chuck" Connor

Charles "Chuck" Connor, the drummer for The Upsetters, is credited with influencing Little Richard’s iconic vocal style. The famous "a-wop bop-a loo-mop, a-lop bam-boom" chant that opens "Tutti Frutti" is said to possibly mimic Connor's drumming rhythm, highlighting the impact that The Upsetters had on the development of rock and roll.

Then again, some might speculate it was an ode to the drums of Earl Palmer. In any case, a book on Connor was released in 2019 that received approval from some of rock music's great drummers.

The Upsetters' contributions to music during this era, while not as widely recognized as they should be, were instrumental in shaping the sound of rock and roll. Their work with Little Richard and other artists left amajor mark on the music industry, influencing countless musicians who came after them, whether they knew the musician's names or not.

The Upsetters were a key yet often overlooked backing band in the history of American music. Their influence can be heard in some of the most iconic tracks of the 1950s and 1960s, and their collaboration with legendary artists like Little Richard and Otis Redding demonstrates their versatility and talent. Despite their relative obscurity, The Upsetters played a role in the development of rock, blues, and R&B, and their legacy continues to resonate today.