Rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Little Richard, fondly known to many as the “Georgia Peach,” has died at the age of 87. His passing from cancer was confirmed by his son Danny Penniman, reports The New York Times.
“I’m very sorry to hear about Little Richard,” posted Brian Wilson. “He was there at the beginning and showed us all how to rock and roll. He was a such a great talent and will be missed. Little Richard’s music will last forever.” Stevie Van Zandt wrote: “The man who invented Rock and Roll. Elvis popularised it. Chuck Berry was the storyteller. Richard was the archetype.”
Born Richard Wayne Penniman in Dec. 5, 1932, Little Richard was third of a dozen children and got his start singing at church where his father served as a deacon, when he wasn't peddling moonshine at his club.
His parents dubbed him "Little Richard" because he was skinny and small.
Little Richard was kicked out of the family home at age 16, reportedly after his father caught him using his mother's makeup. He went on the road, sometimes playing clubs in drag.
But success eluded Little Richard until 1955 when he found himself onstage at a Houston nightclub improvising a raunchy song he called "Tutti Frutti."
His producer friend Robert “Bumps” Blackwell heard gold in the song and after cleaning up the lyrics they released the single and Little Richard was launched into stardom.
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