PAT was the one that brought collectors to LITTLE RICHARD...as did other white cover singers. Little Richard sold alot of his version BECAUSE of this cover and others by white singers
Well, one must consider the times. A clean-cut white dude singing "jungle music" was far more acceptable than a flamboyant black dude in the 50s. Why do you think Elvis made it so big? White dude who could sing like a black dude. The public was willing to accept that.
Still excruciating, but you know, context.