Richard Wayne Penniman, broadly known as Little Richard, has died at 87. Little Richard was a flamboyant American singer-songwriter and pianist whose hit songs of the mid-1950s were defining moments in the development rock ‘n’ roll.
The godfather of rock was known for songs like “Tutti Frutti,” “Good Golly Miss Molly” and “Long Tall Sally,” be that as it may, he was additionally known for an interesting career and personal life.
The Beatles, Elton John, and Elvis Presley all called him an influence. Furthermore, the singer was initiated into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
He died of bone cancer in Tullahoma, Tennessee his family said.
Here are some interesting, and lesser-known facts about the music legend.
Facts about Little Richard
- He was born on Dec. 5, 1932, in Macon, Georgia, and Ga with 11 siblings.
- During his marriage with Ernestine, the couple adopted one child, Danny Jones Penniman. Little Richard and Danny Jones stayed close throughout the years.
- On January 19, 1993, Little Riched Performed “Great Golly Miss Molly” at President Bill Clinton’s inaugural gala.
- He’s performed duets with Jon Bon Jovi, Hank Williams Jr., Elton John, and Solomon Burke.
- Little Richard would remove his clothes during performances and throw them to the crowd. Like a shirt, shoe, perhaps a mink coat.
- Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, and Billy Preston all played behind Little Richard.
- James Brown would imitate Little Richard at performances when he was double reserved.
- He affected James Brown. Both from Macon, Georgia, Richard would end up giving Brown an enormous break acquainting him with his manager, Clint Brantley. Soon after, Brown would have his first hit with “Please, Please, Please” in 1956.
- He toured with Rolling Stones in 1962
- He lived in the Hyatt Hotel in Hollywood when not touring from 1984 to 2006
- Down In and Out in Beverly Hills was a box office hit in 1986. Arguably, the best scene was Little Richard’s appearance about being a Black man living in Beverly Hills.
- In 1987 Little Richard directed the second wedding of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore.
- He had made those boasts 15 years earlier, going off script while giving out the best new artist award at the 1988 Grammys.
- After five years the Grammys, at last, remembered him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
- In 2000 NBC broadcast his biopic “Little Richard”
- In November of 2008, Rolling Stone placed him at number 12 on their list of the 100 greatest singers.
