Singer, songwriter, personality and pianist Richard Wayne Penniman (Little Richard) was born in Macon, Georgia on December 5, 1932. He was nicknamed “Little” as a child because he was skinny. His family was religious and his first musical influence was gospel music. In 1947 Sister Rosetta Tharpe heard him singing and invited him to open her show. Little Richard said his piano style was largely influenced by Ike Turner’s intro to “Rocket 88”. He was at his peak and his most successful in the mid to late 1950s.
The BBC notes that
“He had his biggest hits in the 1950s and was known for his exuberant performances, shrieks, raspy voice and flamboyant outfits. He sold more than 30 million records worldwide.
Paying tribute after news of his death emerged, former Beatles drummer Sir Ringo Starr tweeted: “God bless Little Richard, one of my all-time musical heroes.”
Chic co-founder Nile Rodgers said it was “the loss of a true giant”, while Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys said his music would “last forever”.”
Little Richard was still performing. Guitarist Charles Glenn told celebrity news website TMZ the singer had been ill for two months and died at his home, with his brother, sister and adopted son present.
Little Richard died in Tullahoma, Tennessee on May 9, 2020 after a short illness.
Image: S P Clarke
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