Self-styled ‘king and queen of rock ‘n’ roll’ Little Richard has died at the age of 87, his son Danny Penniman confirmed to Rolling Stone.
The musician earned himself legions of fans throughout his decades long career, and plenty of people are now paying tribute online.
Richard’s bass guitarist Charles Glenn said that the singer had been like a father figure to him.
He told TMZ that Richard – real name – would tell him: “Not to take anything away from your dad, but you’re my son.”
Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan was one of the first famous faces who paid tribute to the Good Golly Miss Molly hitmaker.
Little Richard has died at the age of 87 (Image: REUTERS)
He 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.”
Star Trek actor George Takei, who is openly gay, 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.”
Hollywood actor Josh Gad, best known for roles in Disney’s Frozen and the live-action Beauty and the Beast, said: “Thanks to my stepdad, there were few days growing up where the music of Little Richard wasn’t playing in our household.
Little Richard was known for his flamboyant style on stage (Image: PA)
“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.”
Great British Bake Off host Noel Fielding shared a portrait of the singer and wrote: “Little Richard one of the greatest ever! Rest in peace. Fashion king big influence on Ol’ Gregg.”
Rock star Gene Simmons tweeted: “Sadly, Little Richard passed away today. A founding father of rock and roll, his contributions simply can’t be overstated. I had the honour of meeting Richard in his later years and was awed by his presence.
Little Richard paid the way for modern musicians (Image: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
“He told me, ‘I am the architect of rock and roll.’ Amen! Rest in peace.”
And Bette Midler said: “Little Richard was a genius, pure and simple.
“He paved the way for (code for he was ripped off by) so many artists. Watch his YouTube performances to see what I mean.
“I met him on Down and Out in Beverly Hills, in which he was hilarious. What a legacy. God bless you, Richard.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
