Celebs, Fans Mourn Passing of Rock ‘n’ Roll Icon Little Richard

Celebrities and fans across the globe took to social media Saturday to mourn the passing of one of rock 'n' roll's original trailblazers, Little Richard.

I just heard the news about Little Richard and I’m so grieved. He was my shining star and guiding light back when I was only a little boy. His was the original spirit that moved me to do everything I would do.
— Bob Dylan (@bobdylan) May 9, 2020

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Love you Little Richard.

A post shared by Bruno Mars (@brunomars) on May 9, 2020 at 1:08pm PDT

RIP Little Richard. The man who invented Rock and Roll. Elvis popularized it. Chuck Berry was the storyteller. Richard was the archetype. Maureen and I were so honored being the first marriage he conducted. We were lucky to know him. He lives forever in the Underground Garage. https://t.co/D8NwRKcshi
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) May 9, 2020

Little Richard, who was known for his flamboyant and energetic performances, has died. This old "Tutti Fruitti" will miss his style and flair. Play the keys among the stars now, sir. You will be missed.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) May 9, 2020

Little Richard: A Life in Photos

The originator. The innovator. They all owe him.

RIP, Little Richard. pic.twitter.com/jw25u5ZtVu
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) May 9, 2020

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Rest in peace Richard. This one really stings. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of my bandmates and fans all over the world. Richard truly was the king! ❤️🧨🙏 #kingofrockandroll #littlerichard #legend #myfriend

A post shared by Kelvin Holly (@klevlin) on May 9, 2020 at 6:00am PDT

The Originator. The innovator. The musician, performer who influenced generations of artists....has left. You were AWESOME #LittleRichard!!! Your talent will reverberate forever. Well done sir. Rest well❤ pic.twitter.com/PsFH4SOUZy
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) May 9, 2020

A couple weeks ago I randomly decided to read up on the legendary Little Richard on wiki. I learned then about how he developed The Beatles and saved The Rolling Stones pic.twitter.com/lUEvYG1Mew
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) May 9, 2020

Sadly, Little Richard passed away today. A founding Father of Rock And Roll, his contributions simply can’t be overstated. I had the honor of meeting Richard in his later years and was awed by his presence. He told me, “I am the architect of Rock And Roll.” Amen! ..Rest In Peace. https://t.co/ceQuNU6pkF
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) May 9, 2020

I met Little Richard when I was 13 or 14 at Aunt Kizzy’s in Marina Del Ray. The advice he gave me is invaluable. He was such a class act and I will never forget the time I sat at his table and he talked to me like I was his little bro. RIP Little Richard
— Tevin Campbell (@tevincampbelll) May 9, 2020

R.I.P. Rock & Roll Legend Little Richard
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) May 9, 2020

I’m very sorry to hear about Little Richard. 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.
Love & Mercy, Brian pic.twitter.com/kcak6Rf4Re
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) May 9, 2020

A night to remember little Richard. And the boys peace and love. ✌️🌟❤️🎶🎵🍒☮️ pic.twitter.com/VsRDLTVeeJ
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) May 9, 2020

I am really messed up about this. Can't even explain why. As these 1st generation rock n rollers die, I just feel the earth getting weaker. A strong light burned out today. What a great life and blessing #LittleRichard was. I met him a few times. He made an impact on us all.
— Roy Orbison Jr (@Royorbisonjr) May 9, 2020

How important was #LittleRichard? The 1st time I ever met Richard, #DavidBowie asked me, "David, would you like to meet the greatest of all-time?" & brought me over to shake Richard's hand. NOBODY shook up our world more than this singular & revolutionary genius. And he KNEW it. pic.twitter.com/WzwXkMEWvv
— David Wild (@Wildaboutmusic) May 9, 2020

With his exuberance, his creativity, and his refusal to be anything other than himself, Little Richard laid the foundation for generations of artists to follow. We are so lucky to have had him. Sending all my love to his family and friends today.
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) May 9, 2020

pic.twitter.com/uvyhO0uNtA
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) May 9, 2020

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This is Little Richard. His Tutti Frutti exploded when I was eight years old, awakening a positive anarchy in a little girl’s heart. Nothing was the same after hearing his exciting and excitable voice. In 1955 we were stomping in our Buster Brown shoes, and the name of the energy was Little Richard! Farewell voice of an age; he commingles with the firmament now. image:@jimedblanchard

A post shared by This is Patti Smith (@thisispattismith) on May 9, 2020 at 7:32am PDT

Little Richard sold more than 30 million records worldwide, and his influence on other musicians was equally staggering, from the Beatles and Otis Redding to Creedence Clearwater Revival and David Bowie. In his personal life, he wavered between raunch and religion, alternately embracing the Good Book and outrageous behavior.

The Beatles’ Paul McCartney imitated Richard’s signature yelps — perhaps most notably in the “Wooooo!” from the hit “She Loves You.” Ex-bandmate John Lennon covered Richard’s “Rip It Up” and “Ready Teddy” on the 1975 “Rock and Roll” album.

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When the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opened in 1986, he was among the charter members with Elvis Presley, Berry, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sam Cooke and others.