Little Richard Is Back (And There's A Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On!) was Little Richard's seventh original album, and his first rock music album in five years. Having retired from rock and roll and spending three years recording gospel music, Richard was finally enticed back into rock studios via a successful UK tour. During his time away from rock music, Richard had cut off his trademark pompadour and can be witnessed on the album cover with significantly shorter hair.