Music legend Little Richard, whom many argue is the ‘true king of rock n’ roll’ has died over the weekend at the age of 87.
The talented singer, known best for his iconic songs ‘Tutti Frutti’, ‘Long Tall Sally’ and ‘Rip it Up’, sadly passed away on Saturday, his son Danny Jones Penniman confirmed to publication the Rolling Stone. According to Richard’s lawyer Bill Sobel the cause of death of was bone cancer, the Rolling Stone reports.
Born Richard Wayne Penniman, the iconic musician rose to fame in the 1950s for his amazing vocals, charismatic showmanship and incredible piano playing. He recorded hit after hit, reaching headlines around the globe and soon earning the nicknames of ‘the innovator, the originator and the architect of rock and roll’.
He influenced many great singers and musicians over the years and helped the likes of The Beatles spring to fame, with the band for him at several concerts over the years. Richard went on be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Meanwhile, perhaps his most famous song ‘Tutti Frutti’ was included in the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress in 2010.
Still to this day his songs are heard on radios across the globe, with fellow musicians such as Mick Jagger calling him their ‘biggest inspiration’. The Rolling Stones star took to social media, like many others, over the weekend to pay tribute to Richard and commend him for his many achievements over his life.
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) May 9, 2020
“I’m so saddened to hear about the passing of Little Richard, he was the biggest inspiration of my early teens and his music still has the same raw electric energy when you play it now as it did when it first shot through the music scene in the mid ’50s,” he wrote on Twitter.
“When we were on tour with him I would watch his moves every night and learn from him how to entertain and involve the audience and he was always so generous with his advice to me. He contributed so much to popular music, I will miss you Richard, God bless.”
So sad to hear that my old friend Little Richard has passed. There will never be another!!! He was the true spirit of Rock’n Roll! pic.twitter.com/yU1EJmjejU
— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) May 9, 2020
Meanwhile, Keith Richards also left a heartwarming message for his friend writing: “So sad to hear that my old friend Little Richard has passed. There will never be another!!! He was the true spirit of Rock’n Roll!”
And the Beatles musician said: “A night to remember Little Richard. And the boys peace and love”.
They weren’t alone in their tributes to the iconic singer, with fans also flocking to social media to send their best wishes to his family and friends during this difficult time.
“Little Richard started a genre of music known as rock ‘n roll,” @keithellison wrote on Twitter. “He wasn’t alone but he was there are at the beginning. All modern music artists and fans owe him something. RIP.”
“Rock ‘n roll icon Little Richard has left Earth. RIP legend. The REAL king is dead! Blessings,” @GOrlandoPrende1 said. While @nilerodgers added: “The loss of a true giant. My sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends.”
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