Little Richard, a founding father of Rock 'n' Roll, has died at the age of 87.
The pianist-singer was best known for hits including Tutti Frutti, Good Golly Miss Molly and Long Tall Sally. Citing the music pioneer's son, Danny Penniman, Rolling Stone magazine said the cause of death was unknown.
His music influenced generations of musicians and was covered by contemporaries like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Bill Haley, while numerous artists including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Rod Stewart and Lemmy cited Little Richard as an inspiration.
Little Richard, one of rock's founding fathers who set the template that generations of musicians would follow, has died at 87 https://t.co/nwu9qMA9wf
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) May 9, 2020
Elton John previously lavished praise on Richard, telling Rolling Stone: "I heard Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, and that was it.
"I didn't ever want to be anything else. I’m more of a Little Richard stylist than a Jerry Lee Lewis, I think. Jerry Lee is a very intricate piano player and very skillful, but Little Richard is more of a pounder."
Little Richard, who was born Richard Wayne Penniman in Macon, Georgia, in 1932, was famed for his outrageous showmanship and lightning-fast rhythms.
His breakthrough came when he signed to Specialty Records in 1955, releasing a string of singles that were among the wildest and most flamboyant of the era, including The Girl Can't Help It, Lucille, Keep A-Knockin’.
In a post on Instagram, band member Kelvin Holly said: "Rest in peace, Richard. This one really stings. My thoughts and prayers go out to all my bandmates and fans all over the world. Richard truly was the king!"
Tributes have flooded in for the acclaimed musician, with Nile Rodgers calling the fellow musician's death "the loss of a true giant".
"The loss of a true giant. My sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends," Rodgers tweeted.
The loss of a true giant. My sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends. https://t.co/nzTDmQtLm7
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) May 9, 2020
"The genius who gave us A WOP BOP A LOO BOP A LOP BAM BOOM and plenty more is no more. RIP The Great Little Richard an indisputably unique entertainer," wrote musician and lyricist Tim Rice.
The genius who gave us A WOP BOP A LOO BOP A LOP BAM BOOM and plenty more is no more. RIP The Great Little Richard an indisputably unique entertainer.
— Tim Rice (@SirTimRice) May 9, 2020
Musician Steven Van Zandt, the guitarist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, wrote: "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."
RIP Little Richard. The man who invented It. Elvis popularized it. Chuck Berry was the storyteller. Richard embodied the Spirit of RocknRoll. Maureen and I were so honored being the first marriage he conducted. Were lucky to know him. He lives forever in the Underground Garage.
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) May 9, 2020
Sirius XFM host Eric Alper tweeted: "Although he never hit the top 10 again after 1958, Little Richard’s influence was massive and quite frankly, influenced everybody.
"The Beatles, Stones, Elton, Everly Brothers, The Kinks, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, The Scorpions, Prince, EVERYBODY."
Although he never hit the top 10 again after 1958, Little Richard's influence was massive and quite frankly, influenced everybody.
— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) May 9, 2020
The Beatles, Stones, Elton, Everly Brothers, The Kinks, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, The Scorpions, Prince, EVERYBODY. pic.twitter.com/Lt3WaBa5rR