Diamond Dogs, the Swedish rockers known for their gritty, soul-infused sound rooted in early 1970s British R&B, release their 16th studio album, Macon Georgia Giant. The album is their loving tribute to the legendary Little Richard, whose influence has shaped the band's musical journey from the very beginning.

For Diamond Dogs, Little Richard is a foundational influence that resonates deeply with their sound and ethos. Lead singer Sulo Karlsson fondly recalls the transformative moment when he first encountered Little Richard's electrifying music at a tender age. "I was six years old when I first heard 'Rip It Up,'" reminisces the singer, "and it was love at first feel." The raw energy, the frenetic piano, and the impassioned lyrics struck a chord deep within him, shaping his musical tastes forever.

"Lunatic Eye-Rolling Delivery," a nod to a famous concert review of Little Richard, encapsulates the essence of his greatness and points to his lasting impact on Diamond Dogs' music. Little Richard's flamboyance and pioneering spirit weren't just confined to his music; they permeated his entire persona, influencing everything from fashion to stage presence.

The idea of paying homage to the "Architect of Rock and Roll" had been brewing in the minds of the band for years. When the opportunity arose to collaborate with UK guitar legend Chris Spedding, it felt like destiny. "Chris Spedding called me one day," recalled Karlsson, "and suggested we record something together." With enthusiasm, Karlsson invited Spedding to join Diamond Dogs in the studio to immortalize selected Little Richard classics for this album.

On a crisp January day, Diamond Dogs, Spedding, and their longtime engineer Jonas Åhlén gathered at Dog Pound Studios in Stockholm. The atmosphere crackled with energy as they embarked on a mission to capture the essence of Little Richard's music authentically. True to their spontaneous style, the recordings were done live, straight to tape, with each track capturing the raw, unbridled spirit of the originals.

As for the final result, Karlsson can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride. "I've never been prouder of anything we've achieved," he admits. The album represents a full-circle moment for Diamond Dogs - their evolution from early rock and roll fans to seasoned musicians paying homage to their greatest inspiration.