Little Richard

American musician (1932–2020)

Richard Wayne Penniman (December 5, 1932 – May 9, 2020), known by his stage name Little Richard, was an American recording artist, songwriter, and musician. He was one of the early creators of rock and roll music in the 1950s.

Little Richard
Little Richard in 2007
Little Richard in 2007
Background information
Birth nameRichard Wayne Penniman
Born(1932-12-05)December 5, 1932
Macon, Georgia, U.S.
DiedMay 9, 2020(2020-05-09) (aged 87) [1]
Tullahoma, Tennessee, U.S.
GenresRock and roll, rhythm and blues, Gospel
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
InstrumentsPiano, vocals
Years active1951–2020

Career change

In 1951 Little Richard began his music career by making gospel and jazz influenced rhythm and blues. He did not sell many records until 1955 when he added a loud drum beat and loud Gospel-style singing and boogie-woogie piano playing. This new music would come to be known as of rock and roll. Little Richard influenced many rock and roll musicians who started after him.

In 1957, when he was at his most popular point, Little Richard quit rock and roll music. He went to Bible college and became a church preacher. He then went on to play only Gospel music for many years. He returned to playing rock and roll when he was older, and also continued playing Gospel music.

In 1986, Little Richard was added into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was one of the first seven people to be added to the museum.

Death change

Little Richard died of bone cancer on May 9, 2020 at his brother's home in Tullahoma, Tennessee at the age of 87.[2] He is survived by his brother, sister and his adopted son Danny.

Singles change

Release date Title Chart Positions
US Charts US R&B chart UK Singles Chart
11/55 "Tutti Frutti" #17 #2 #29
4/56 "Long Tall Sally" #6 #1 #3
4/56 "Slippin' and Slidin'" #33 #2 -
6/56 "Rip It Up" #17 #1 #30
6/56 "Ready Teddy" #44 #8 -
10/56 "Heebie-Jeebies" - #7 -
10/56 "She's Got It" - #9 #15
12/56 "The Girl Can't Help It" #49 #7 #9
12/56 "All Around the World" - #13 -
3/57 "Lucille" #21 #1 #10
3/57 "Send Me Some Lovin'" #54 #3 -
6/57 "Jenny Jenny" #10 #2 #11
6/57 "Miss Ann" #56 #6 -
9/57 "Keep A Knockin'" #8 #2 #21
2/58 "Good Golly, Miss Molly" #10 #4 #8
6/58 "Ooh! My Soul" #31 #15 #22
6/58 "True, Fine Mama" #68 - -
9/57 "Baby Face'" #41 #12 #2
2/58 "Kansas City" #95 - #26
3/59 "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" - - #17
11/62 "He Got What He Wanted" - - #38
7/64 "Bama Lama Lama Loo" #82 #82 #20
11/65 "I Don't Know What You've Got But It's Got Me" #92 #12 -
8/66 "Poor Dog (Who Can't Wag His Own Tail)" - #41 -
5/70 "Freedom Blues" #47 #28 -
9/70 "Greenwood Mississippi" #85 - -
8/73 "In the Middle of the Night" - #71 -
3/86 "Great Gosh A'Mighty!" #42 - #62
10/86 "Operator" - - #67

References change

  1. Browne, David (May 8, 2020). "Little Richard, Founding Father of Rock Who Broke Musical Barriers, Dead at 87". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  2. Weiner, Tim (May 9, 2020). "Little Richard, Flamboyant Wild Man of Rock 'n' Roll, Dies at 87". The New York Times. Retrieved May 9, 2020.

Other websites change