Little Richard

Little Richard News
Credits: Alamy
Full Name
Richard Wayne Penniman
Born
December 5th, 1932
Height
5ft 10in
Hometown
Macon, Georgia, United States
Net Worth
Estimated $40 million
Family
Little Richard was born to Charles "Bud" Penniman, a brick mason and nightclub owner, and Leva Mae Penniman in Macon, Georgia. He was one of 12 children in a deeply religious family. Richard married Ernestine Harvin in 1959 before the couple divorced in 1964. Although they did not have biological children together, he later became the adoptive father of Danny Jones Penniman.
Years Active
1947–2020
Bands
The Tempo Toppers
Top Tracks
'Tutti Frutti', 'Long Tall Sally', 'Good Golly, Miss Molly', 'Lucille', 'Rip It Up'
Top Albums
'Here's Little Richard', 'The Fabulous Little Richard', 'Little Richard Is Back (And There's a Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On!)', 'The King of the Gospel Singers', 'Lifetime Friend'
Records Sold
More than 30 million
Number Ones
'Tutti Frutti', 'Long Tall Sally', 'Lucille', 'Keep A-Knockin'
Fun Facts
Little Richard's 1955 recording of 'Tutti Frutti' is widely regarded as one of the songs that launched rock and roll into the mainstream. ### Before finding fame, he performed in travelling minstrel and vaudeville-style shows throughout the American South. ### He was inducted into the inaugural class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award the following year.
Related Artists
Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Bo Diddley

Little Richard was an American singer, songwriter and pianist whose flamboyant performances and electrifying recordings made him one of the founding architects of rock and roll. Combining gospel, rhythm and blues, boogie-woogie and jump blues, he created an explosive musical style that transformed popular music during the 1950s. Hits including ‘Tutti Frutti’, ‘Long Tall Sally’, ‘Lucille’ and ‘Good Golly, Miss Molly’ showcased his powerful voice, dynamic piano playing and charismatic stage presence.

His influence extended across generations, inspiring artists such as The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Prince and David Bowie. Often described as ‘The Architect of Rock and Roll’, Little Richard remains one of the most important and influential figures in modern music history.

Little Richard News

More About Little Richard

Little Richard was an American singer, songwriter and pianist widely regarded as one of the founding pioneers of rock and roll.
Little Richard was born Richard Wayne Penniman.
Little Richard revolutionised popular music through his energetic performances, groundbreaking recordings and enduring influence on generations of rock, soul, funk and pop musicians.
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