Richard Penniman, famously known as Little Richard, has passed away at the age of 87. He died Saturday morning at his Tennessee home, surrounded by family. His son, Daniel Jones, along with his manager and close friend, Pastor Bill Minson, confirmed the heartbreaking news.
Little Richard had been dealing with health issues for several months, including cancer, as shared by his bassist, Charles Glenn. However, the family has chosen not to disclose further details regarding the cause of death.
Tributes from Fellow Artists
Rock legend Jerry Lee Lewis expressed his sorrow in a statement to Rolling Stone, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that I ask for prayers for the family of my lifelong friend and fellow Rocker ‘Little Richard.’ He was truly one of a kind, and I will miss him dearly.” Tributes poured in across social media from various celebrities, including Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys and Questlove, honoring the self-proclaimed “architect of rock ‘n’ roll.”
A Musical Pioneer
Born on December 5, 1932, in Macon, Georgia, Little Richard skyrocketed to fame in the 1950s and ’60s with iconic tracks like “Tutti Frutti,” “Lucille,” and “Keep A Knockin’.” His music has sold over 30 million records globally, and he was among the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when it opened in 1956, alongside legends like Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly.
Notably, Little Richard’s music transcended racial barriers during a time of segregation in the United States. He once remarked, “I’ve always thought that rock ‘n’ roll brought the races together. Although I was black, the fans didn’t care. I used to feel good about that.” His influence is evident in the works of artists such as The Beatles and Elton John, with John stating in a 1973 interview, “I heard Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, and that was it. I didn’t ever want to be anything else.”
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Legacy
In summary, Little Richard’s legacy will continue to resonate through generations of musicians and fans alike. His contributions to rock ‘n’ roll and culture were monumental, and he will be remembered as a true pioneer of the genre.