Richard Wayne Penniman (December 5, 1932 – May 9, 2020), better known as Little Richard, was an American singer, songwriter, and musician. He was an influential figure in popular music and culture for seven decades. Nicknamed “The Innovator, The Originator, and The Architect of Rock and Roll”, Penniman’s most celebrated work dates from the mid-1950s, when his charismatic showmanship and dynamic music, characterized by frenetic piano playing, pounding back beat and raspy shouted vocals, laid the foundation for rock and roll. Penniman’s innovative emotive vocalizations and uptempo rhythmic music also played a key role in the formation of other popular music genres, including soul and funk, respectively. He influenced numerous singers and musicians across musical genres from rock to hip hop; his music helped shape rhythm and blues for generations to come.
Little Richard cause of death
On May 9, 2020, Penniman died at the age of 87 in Tennessee. The cause of death was revealed to be bone cancer. At the time of his death, he was living with his brother in Nashville, Tennessee.
Little Richard Long Tall Sally – Tutti Frutti
Little Richard – “Lucille” (2002) – MDA Telethon