Founding father of rock and roll Little Richard dies at 87
Rock ‘n’ Roll star Little Richard has died aged 87.
The singer, who inspired musicians including The Beatles and Elton John, was a Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer and renowned for hits such as Tutti Frutti and Long Tall Sally.
Chic star Nile Rodgers described Little Richard’s death as “the loss of a true giant” while radio presenter Tony Blackburn said the singer was a “terrific artiste”.
Little Richard, born Richard Penniman, sold more than 30 million records worldwide.
The singer was a major influence on The Beatles, who first met him when they were an up-and-coming young band playing in Germany.
Speaking in 2002, Little Richard said: “Paul (McCartney) would watch me every night when I was up on stage. Paul idolised me and admired my energy.
“The way you see Mick Jagger and Tina Turner walk all over the stage is what I used to do. That’s where they all got it from.”
The singer’s son, Danny Penniman, confirmed his death to Rolling Stone magazine, while the Associated Press was told by Pastor Bill Minson that the star died on Saturday morning.
Rolling Stone said Elton John told the magazine in 1973: “I heard Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, and that was it. I didn’t ever want to be anything else.”
A number of people have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to the rock star.
God bless little Richard one of my all-time musical heroes. Peace and love to all his family. 😎✌️🌟❤️🎵🎶💕☮️ pic.twitter.com/H2lzKbX3tm
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) May 9, 2020
God Bless Little Richard.
— Roy Orbison Jr (@Royorbisonjr) May 9, 2020
Our great hero has died today. Our loss. Heaven's Gain.#LittleRichard #RockNRoll
RIP Little Richard. The man who invented Rock and Roll. Elvis popularized it. Chuck Berry was the storyteller. Richard was the archetype. Maureen and I were so honored being the first marriage he conducted. We were lucky to know him. He lives forever in the Underground Garage. https://t.co/D8NwRKcshi
— 🇺🇸🕉🇺🇦🟦Stevie Van Zandt☮️💙 (@StevieVanZandt) May 9, 2020
RIP to music icon and pioneer, Little Richard 🙏🏾 He has passed at age 87. #LittleRichard #BETRemembers 🕊 pic.twitter.com/OGGx1slzM8
— BET (@BET) May 9, 2020
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