ROCK’N’ROLL pioneer Little Richard has died, aged 87.
Born Richard Pennimen, Little Richard first found fame in the 1950s with the iconic hit Tutti Frutti.
It helped usher in a new, exciting era of music with Richard distinguishing himself from other acts via a vibrant on-stage persona that combined extravagant costumes, outrageous dance moves with a larger-than-life sound punctuated by his trademark screams.
Tutti Frutti was the first of many hits for Little Richard, with other classics including Long Tall Sally, Rip It Up, Lucille and Good Golly Miss Molly.
Despite enjoying a career spanning some seven decades, recent years had seen Little Richard slow down after suffering a string of health issues including a stroke, a heart attack and hip problems.
News of Little Richard’s sad passing was relayed to Rolling Stone magazine by his son Danny Penniman
The cause of death is currently unknown.
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
Kelvin Holly, a member of Little Richard's band, also appeared to acknowledge his death on Instagram writing: "Rest in peace, Richard. This one really stings. My thoughts and prayers go out to all my bandmates and fans all over the world. Richard truly was the king!"
E Street Band member and star of The Sopranos, Steve Van Zandt, has led the tributes.
“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.”
