A pioneer of the first wave of rock 'n' roll, Little Richard died at the age of 87.
The sad news was confirmed by the icon's son, Danny Penniman , to the New York Times , but he stated that his father's death is unknown.
The artist began his career around the 1940s, and had his first major breakthrough in 1955 when he signed with Speciality Records and released his classic and fun songs such as "Tutti-Frutti," "Long Tall Sally," "Rip It Up," "Girl Can't Help," and many others. It's impossible to talk about pioneering rock songs without mentioning those of Little Richard.
Regarding the classic "Tutti-Frutti ," Brian Johnson , former vocalist of AC/DC , commented in an interview about the almost anthropological experience of watching Little Richard on TV for the first time, describing him as "a black guy with ridiculous hair and temples, who was prettier than a woman, and started singing 'Tutti-Frutti.'"
AC/DC guitarist Angus Young praised the musician, saying, "The way he plays, and the way he sings, is art and science, all mixed together."
One of the artist's biggest fans is none other than Paul McCartney, who declared about Richard, while performing a cover of him at a Beatles , "I could do Little Richard's voice, which is a wild thing, almost like a horse's cry. It's like an experience that takes you out of your body," said McCartney. "You have to detach yourself from your sensibilities of the moment and go up a tone above your head to sing. You really have to get out of yourself."
In addition to his sonic influence on the genre, his eccentric, unique, colorful, and somewhat feminine style was clearly inspired by Prince , a few years later.
Rest in peace, Little Richard.
Check out "Long Tall Sally" and "Tutti-Frutti" by Little Richard below:
