Little Richard - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Little Richard, whose real name was Richard Wayne Penniman, was born on December 5, 1932, in Macon, Georgia.
- 2. He was one of the pioneers of rock and roll music, known for his high-energy performances, flamboyant style, and influential vocal delivery.
- 3. Little Richard's breakthrough hit was "Tutti Frutti" in 1955, which reached number 2 on the Billboard R&B charts and number 17 on the pop charts.
- 4. He followed up with a string of hits in the late 1950s, including "Long Tall Sally," "Rip It Up," and "Good Golly, Miss Molly," solidifying his status as a rock and roll icon.
- 5. Little Richard's music had a significant impact on future generations of musicians, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Prince, who cited him as a major influence.
- 6. Despite his success, Little Richard struggled with personal demons, including drug addiction and conflicts with his religious beliefs as a born-again Christian.
- 7. He briefly retired from music in the late 1950s to pursue a career in the ministry but returned to performing in the 1960s and continued to record and tour throughout his career.
- 8. Little Richard was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993.
- 9. He was known for his larger-than-life personality and eccentric fashion sense, often wearing flamboyant outfits and elaborate hairstyles.
- 10. Little Richard passed away on May 9, 2020, at the age of 87, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the greatest rock and roll performers of all time.