Yesterday (09), the Father of Rock 'n' Roll, Little Richard , passed away at the age of 87, and tributes from big names in the genre influenced by the artist were plentiful.
Beatles page paid tribute to the singer, posting a photo of the band with the artist, and a poster of a show they participated in together at the beginning of the English band's career:
Paul McCartney , in turn, wrote a text to highlight Little Richard's inevitable influence on the Beatles: “From 'Tutti Frutti' to 'Long Tall Sally' to 'Good Golly, Miss Molly' to 'Lucille', Little Richard came screaming into my life when I was a teenager. I owe a lot of what I do to Little Richard and his style; and he knew it. He used to say: 'I taught Paul everything he knows.' I had to admit he was right,” McCartney begins.
“In the early days of the Beatles, we played with Richard in Hamburg and met him. He would let us stay in his dressing room and we would witness his pre-show rituals. With his head under a towel over a bowl of hot water, he would suddenly lift his head in the mirror and say, ‘I can’t help it, I’m too handsome.’ And he was.”.
A great man with a lovely sense of humor and someone who will be missed by the rock and roll community and many more. I thank him for everything he taught me and the kindness he showed in letting me be his friend. Goodbye, Richard and a-wop-bop-a-loo-bop.”, the text concludes.
Ringo Starr also paid tribute through two posts, stating that Little Richard was one of his musical heroes, and wishing peace and love to his family and friends.
In another post, he wrote that it was a night to remember the artist and the boys, referring to his Beatles bandmates.
John Lennon 's official social media accounts remembered Richard with a hilarious and touching recording from the time the band and the artist played together.
John: We used to hang out backstage at the Star Club in Hamburg and watch Little Richard play. He used to read the Bible backstage, and just to hear him talk, we'd sit and listen. It was Brian Epstein who brought him to Hamburg. I still love him, and he's one of the best.
Little Richard: They would come to my dressing room and eat there every night. They didn't have any money, so I paid for their food. I used to buy steaks for John. Paul would come in, sit down, and look at me. He wouldn't move his eyes. And he'd say, 'Oh Richard! You're my idol. Just let me touch you.' He wanted to learn my little scream, so we sat at the piano screaming 'Oooh!' until he got it.”
George Harrison 's official page also paid tribute, posting a photo of the artists together, and a quote from Harrison about Richard, said in his speech when the Beatles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame : "Thank you all, especially the rock 'n' rollers , and Little Richard – it's all his fault, seriously."
KISS paid tribute through comments from Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley :
“Sadly, Little Richard passed away today. The founding father of Rock 'N' Roll, his contributions cannot be overstated. I had the honor of meeting Richard when he was older, and I was in awe of his presence. He told me, 'I am the architect of Rock 'N' Roll,' Amen!…Rest in peace!”, wrote Simmons.
“Little Richard is the most important building block of Rock & Roll. An icon. A composer and performer with a personality to match. Rest in peace, superstar,” said Stanley.
The official AC/DC also remembered Little Richard's legacy, writing, "A great loss for the world of rock and roll! A multifaceted talent who inspired so many!!!"
Jimmy Page recalled the musician's importance on his Twitter, writing, “Rest in peace, Little Richard, a very sad loss. My thoughts are with those he loved. It was Little Richard's music that started rock 'n' roll. I had the opportunity to hear him and his band at the Newport Lounge in Miami and boy, they were good.”
The Rolling Stones , Mick Jagger , also took the time to write about Richard's influence on his career.
“I’m so sad to hear about Little Richard’s death, 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 he first hit the music scene in the mid-50s. When we were touring with him, I watched his moves every night and learned from him how to entertain and engage the audience, and he was always very generous in giving me advice. He contributed so much to popular music. I will miss you Richard, God bless you.”
Keith Richards also commented on the loss, “Very sad to hear that my old friend Little Richard has passed away. There will never be anyone like him!!! He was the true spirit of rock 'n' roll!”
Bob Dylan recalled Richard's importance in his life since childhood through emotional tweets :
“I just heard the news about Little Richard and I’m very sad. He was my bright star and the guiding light back when I was just a little boy. He was the original spirit that led me to do everything I do.”
“I did some shows with him in Europe in the early 90s and spent a lot of time in his dressing room. He was always generous, kind and humble. And still a force of nature as a performer and musician, and you could still learn a lot from him.”
“In his presence, he was always the same Little Richard I first heard and was impressed by growing up, and I was always the same little boy. Of course, he will live forever. But it’s as if a part of your life is gone.”
In the comments section of the tribute to Richard, a fan shared an incredible recording showing a young Dylan, whose real name is Robert Allen Zimmerman, probably during his school days, saying that he will "always remember" joining Little Richard's band... Speechless, right?
Prince 's official page, also remembered Little Richard, “Little Richard’s influence on music cannot be understood. He not only opened doors, he tore down all the walls to pave the way for those who would come after him. Rest in peace, King of Rock 'N' Roll.”
In Brazil, João Gordo Ratos do Porão , also paid tribute to the true king of rock 'n' roll: