The founding father of rock and roll Little Richard has died at the age of 87.
The musician’s son, Danny Penniman, confirmed the star’s death to Rolling Stone, but said the cause of death was unknown.
According to Richard’s bass guitarist Charles Glenn, the musician had been sick for two months and died surrounded by his brother, sister and son, reports TMZ.
Richard had asked Charles to come and visit him in March but had been unable to because of the coronavirus pandemic and stay-at-home rules.
Little Richard was a founding father of rock and roll (Image: GETTY IMAGES)
The star, real name Richard Wayne Penniman, was an American singer, songwriter, and musician.
He was known for such hits as Good Golly Miss Molly, Rip It Up and Tutti Frutti – which became a number one hit in the UK again decades later.
His trademark screams, outrageous dance moves and stage costumes set him apart from others of the era and made him a household name.
He was an influential figure in popular music and culture for seven decades.
Little Richard, a founding father of rock and roll has died at the age of 87 (Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
Little Richard, the self-proclaimed “architect of rock ‘n’ roll” built his ground-breaking sound with a boiling blend of boogie-woogie, rhythm and blues and gospel.
Richard influenced legions of performers whose fame would eventually outstrip his own.
The star’s most celebrated work dates from the mid-1950s, when his charismatic showmanship and dynamic music and raspy shouted vocals, set the foundation for rock and roll music.
His innovative and emotive vocals and uptempo rhythmic music also played a key role in the formation of other popular music genres, such as soul and funk.
Little Richard influenced numerous singers and musicians across musical genres from rock to hip hop.
The musician’s son, Danny Penniman, has confirmed the star’s death to Rolling Stone, but said the cause of death was unknown (Image: Getty Images)
His music helped shape rhythm and blues over several generations and his performances and headline-making thrust his career right into the mix of American popular music.
The star was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of its first group of inductees in 1986.
He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.
Tributes have already been pouring in for the music icon, with names such as Piers Morgan and Hollywood stars George Takei and Josh Gad sharing their respects.
Little Richard was known for his flamboyant stage presence (Image: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Good Morning Britain host Piers tweeted: “RIP Little Richard, 87. The founding father of rock ‘n’ roll, a musical genius and one of the most flamboyant showmen to ever strut the entertainment stage.”
Beauty and the Beast star Josh said: “Thanks to my stepdad, there were few days growing up where the music of Little Richard wasn’t playing in our household.
“Songs like Good Golly Miss Molly and Rip It Up were playing on a loop. Not to mention his performance in Down and Out in Beverly Hills which is [flame emoji]. RIP icon.”
And Star Trek actor George Takei wrote: “Little Richard, who was known for his flamboyant and energetic performances, has died.
“This old ‘Tutti Fruitti’ will miss his style and flair. Play the keys among the stars now, sir. You will be missed.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
