Little Richard (1932-2020) was one of the first and most influential stars of rock ‘n’ roll. He recorded a series of wildly rhythmic hits in the 1950’s that featured nonsensical lyrics sung in a screaming manner, accompanied by his wild piano playing. Little Richard composed most of his songs. His music and his flashy performing style had a tremendous impact on later rock performers, including Jimi Hendrix and Mick Jagger.
Little Richard was born in Macon, Georgia, on Dec. 5, 1932. His full name was Richard Wayne Penniman. He sang in church choirs and traveled in a medicine show as a teenager. Little Richard began recording in 1951 but did not have a hit until he made “Tutti Frutti” in 1955. In 1956, he recorded the hits “Long Tall Sally,” “Slippin’ and Slidin’,” “Rip It Up,” and “Ready Teddy.” In 1957 came the hits “Lucille,” “Jenny, Jenny,” and “Keep a Knockin’.” Little Richard’s last hit was “Good Golly Miss Molly” (1958).
In 1957, Little Richard quit the music industry to become a minister. He eventually was ordained as a Seventh-day Adventist minister. Little Richard returned to music in 1963, touring as a headliner with the Beatles and Rolling Stones. In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, he regained much of his popularity, riding a wave of nostalgia for the early years of rock ‘n’ roll.
Little Richard concentrated on his religious ministry from 1975 to 1985. He then returned to show business, appearing on television shows and taking a featured role in the motion picture Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986). He became active as a gospel singer and in raising funds to fight AIDS. Little Richard was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. He died on May 9, 2020.
