Celebs, Fans Mourn Passing of Rock ‘n' Roll Icon Little Richard
The legendary musician died at age 87
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American recording artist, singer and musician Little Richard performing live, UK, 27th June 1975.
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.
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
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.
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Rock and roll singer and songwriter Little Richard performs at Wrigley Field on September 2, 1956, in Los Angeles, California.
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American recording artist, singer and musician Little Richard performing live, UK, 27th June 1975.
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Little Richard performs on “This Is Tom Jones” TV show in circa 1970 in Los Angeles, California.
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Dick Clark (left, with guest Little Richard holding a picture of the Beatles) hosted “American Bandstand,” the most popular dance show of all-time and the cornerstone of Walt Disney Television.
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Little Richard, Little Richard – posed, backstage, 1959.
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Little Richard (left on piano)on ‘Dolly’ in 1987.
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Little Richard, Diamond Awards Festival, Sportpaleis, Antwerpen, Belgium, 5 December 1986.
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File photo: Little Richard at the 1988 Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony circa 1988 in New York City. The rock and roll icon died at age 87.
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Little Richard
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American Rock Singer Little Richard At 1988 Oscars Ceremony.
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Little Richard appears on The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour. Image dated October 1, 1971.
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Little Richard performs on stage during the London Rock’n’Roll Show, Wembley Stadium, 5th August 1972.
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Musical guest Little Richard during an interview with host Jay Leno on June 6, 1994.
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Martha and The Vandellas and Little Richard during Grand Opening of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, 1995 at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, OH, United States.
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Little Richard, Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley during 2002 BMI Pop Awards at Regent Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, California, United States.
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Singer Little Richard attending ‘Little Richard Receives Walk-Of-Fame Star’ on June 21, 1990 at the Hollywood Walk-Of-Fame in Hollywood, California.
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Little Richard performs at BB King on June 14, 2012 in New York, New York.
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Little Richard and CeeLo Green chat backstage at ‘The Legacy Lounge’ A conversation with CeeLo Green and his inspiration at W Atlanta – Downtown on September 29, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
