Spike Lee, Elton John, Michelle Obama, and more pay tribute to Little Richard
Rock legend Richard Wayne Penniman ” known as Little Richard ” has died. He was 87 . He was also called the King Of Rock and the Father of Rock n Roll . “Little Richard is best known for hits “Tutti Frutti” and “Good Golly Miss Molly,” has died. He was 87.
The musician’s manager confirmed his passing to Fox News on Saturday.
“He passed away today. His family was with him,” Dick Alen told us.
The musician’s son, Danny Jones Penniman, also confirmed his death to Rolling Stone, but said the cause of death was unknown.
With his exuberance, his creativity, and his refusal to be anything other than himself, Little Richard laid the foundation for generations of artists to follow. We are so lucky to have had him. Sending all my love to his family and friends today.
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) May 9, 2020
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 would say, 'I taught Paul everything he knows'. pic.twitter.com/96bOzphhs8
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) May 10, 2020
Rest In Peace To One Of The True Creators Of Rock And Roll. This Is The Commercial I Directed With Little Richard And Michael Jordan, 1991. pic.twitter.com/51bEV1eYKB
— Spike Lee (@SpikeLeeJoint) May 9, 2020
Sir Elton shared a tribute for Little Richard on Instagram.
‘Without a doubt – musically, vocally and visually – he was my biggest influence.
‘Seeing him live in my teens was the most exciting event in my life at that point. Goosebumps, electricity and joy came from every pore. ‘His records still sound fresh and the opening few seconds of “Tutti Frutti” are the most explosive in music history. ‘I was lucky enough to work with him for my “Duets” album in 1993. He was shy and funny and I was SO nervous. The track we recorded “The Power” is a favourite in my catalogue. ‘We also played live at the Beverly Hilton and I felt like I’d died and gone to heaven.’ The Your Song singer ended his post with: ’He influenced so many and is irreplaceable. ‘A true legend, icon and a force of nature. #RIP Little Richard. Love, Elton x #LittleRichard.’
So sad to hear that my old friend Little Richard has passed. There will never be another!!! He was the true spirit of Rock’n Roll! pic.twitter.com/yU1EJmjejU
— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) May 9, 2020
God bless little Richard one of my all-time musical heroes. Peace and love to all his family. 😎✌️🌟❤️🎵🎶💕☮️ pic.twitter.com/H2lzKbX3tm
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) May 9, 2020
A night to remember little Richard. And the boys peace and love. ✌️🌟❤️🎶🎵🍒☮️ pic.twitter.com/VsRDLTVeeJ
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) May 9, 2020
Little Richard's influence on music cannot be understated. He didn't just open doors, he smashed entire walls to pieces to make way for all who would come after him. Rest in peace to the King of Rock 'n' Roll.⁰#RIPLittleRichard pic.twitter.com/gvrVtGjgC4
— Prince (@prince) May 9, 2020
So sad Little Richard passed away. He married my husband and I. He was really one of the truely great rock and roll singers and one of the rock and roll pioneers. He will be missed💜🙏🏻🌷
— Cyndi Lauper (@cyndilauper) May 9, 2020
I just heard the news about Little Richard and I’m so grieved. He was my shining star and guiding light back when I was only a little boy. His was the original spirit that moved me to do everything I would do.
— Bob Dylan (@bobdylan) May 9, 2020
Sadly, Little Richard passed away today. A founding Father of Rock And Roll, his contributions simply can’t be overstated. I had the honor of meeting Richard in his later years and was awed by his presence. He told me, “I am the architect of Rock And Roll.” Amen! ..Rest In Peace. https://t.co/ceQuNU6pkF
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) May 9, 2020
A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-lop-bam-boom.
Gone but never forgotten. A rock giant.— Stephen King (@StephenKing) May 9, 2020
The times, they could not dictate who you were. Your courage, fearlessness, voice and soul carved out what we now call Rock And Roll. Thank you for the road you made…for so many of us to follow. Thank you Mr. Penniman. We love you.
📷: Jim Marshall pic.twitter.com/RTOiWXTOoX— Stone Temple Pilots (@STPBand) May 9, 2020
Peoplethrow Legend around…Not everyone is Legendary
R.I.P. #LittleRichard pic.twitter.com/Bm8vEpESx8— Assibey Blake (@AssibeyBlake) May 10, 2020
#LittleRichard was iconic, original and in a class all by himself. Thank you for all that you gave to the world. Rest well my friend. 💋✨ pic.twitter.com/F5eRftdHkA
— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) May 10, 2020
May Little Richard The Father & Architect of #rocknroll Rest in eternal power. I remember us hanging out. all the funny stories and wisdom you shared..
You’re truly a King 👑 my love to your family.#RestInPeaceLittleRichard pic.twitter.com/a4to2nT42E— LLCOOLJ (@llcoolj) May 10, 2020
I will NEVER forget this, a true original. ♥️ #LittleRichard #WhyDoFoolsFallInLove pic.twitter.com/Pek3XoHmfi
— Halle Berry (@halleberry) May 10, 2020
Little Richard RIP pic.twitter.com/HU3erfK6S3
— The Beatles (@thebeatles) May 9, 2020
Rest in Peace, Little Richard
love, yoko pic.twitter.com/VKa6bdsNxo— Yoko Ono (@yokoono) May 9, 2020
The young David Jones soaked up influences like a dry sponge finding the music and attitude of Little Richard inspirational to say the least. He listed The Fabulous Little Richard LP, among his favourite 25 for a Vanity Fair feature in 2003. More here: https://t.co/L3a8PiejYP pic.twitter.com/426OAB86e3
— David Bowie Official (@DavidBowieReal) May 9, 2020
RIP #LittleRichard a Rock'n'Roll pioneer & icon! pic.twitter.com/LJdQi7y8N1
— The Pointer Sisters (@PointerOfficial) May 9, 2020
Little Richard – Ready Teddy pic.twitter.com/lLsl8kIWqr
— Bowie (@JoeyRamone70s) May 9, 2020
In his presence he was always the same Little Richard that I first heard and was awed by growing up and I always was the same little boy. Of course he’ll live forever. But it’s like a part of your life is gone.
— Bob Dylan (@bobdylan) May 9, 2020
Little Richard singing Lucille (1957)#RIPLegend 💓😇 pic.twitter.com/yMAff0KgVr
— 🩸⛓ 𝔟 𝔯 𝔞 𝔱 ⛓🩸 (@_cherub_111) May 9, 2020
I want to express my condolences on the passing of one of music’s greats #LittleRichard
— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) May 9, 2020
RIP "Little Richard"
Jimi Hendrix was a member of Little Richard's backing bands "Royal Company" and "Upsetters." In addition to touring, Hendrix recorded on the "I Don't Know What You've Got But It's Got Me" & "Dancing All Around The World" singles#LittleRichard #JimiHendrix pic.twitter.com/UjK3KeyYjz
— Jimi Hendrix (@JimiHendrix) May 9, 2020
A night to remember little Richard. And the boys peace and love. ✌️🌟❤️🎶🎵🍒☮️ pic.twitter.com/VsRDLTVeeJ
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) May 9, 2020
A friend, a Rock & the Institution, Mr. Richard Wayne Penniman (Dec 5, 1932 – May 9, 2020), better known as Little Richard. Share the love with his family & friends all around the world. We will never forget u & ur music.✌️Bootsy baby!!!🤩 @RollingStone @SweetwaterSound pic.twitter.com/bX6Mrin2gd
— Bootsy Collins (@Bootsy_Collins) May 9, 2020
'Little Richard was one of the all-time greats. The first time I heard ‘Long Tall Sally’ it blew our heads. We’d never heard anybody sing like that in our lives, all those saxes playing like crazy. It used to make your hair stand on end when he did that long scream into the solo' pic.twitter.com/6fUTDYr7Wo
— John Lennon (@johnlennon) May 9, 2020
LITTLE RICHARD Is A Cornerstone In The Very Foundation Of Rock & Roll. An Icon. A Songwriter And Performer With A Personality To Match. RIP Superstar. pic.twitter.com/Sdl6Yh59ex
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) May 9, 2020
I was once asked, “If u could meet one person, who would it be?” I always said Little Richard. Because, to me, he was rock & roll’s most joyous, rebellious innovator.
Thank u for planting that seed, Richard. The world is a much happier place thanks to ur music.#RIPLittleRichard pic.twitter.com/kiq2VOZs8O— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) May 9, 2020
The King of Rock and Roll#LittleRichard ♥️🕊♥️ pic.twitter.com/T4sSqC4LJr
— Patti LaBelle (@MsPattiPatti) May 9, 2020
Rest In Peace Little Richard. Architect of Rock n Roll. Originator. Innovator. Influencer.
He was also a part of one of the great nights of my life/career, 30th GRAMMY Awards in NYC 1988 -creating a legendary TV moment. Condolences to his family/ loved ones -we thank you 🙌🏾🎶👑 pic.twitter.com/txughrHpoK— Jody Watley (@jodywatley) May 9, 2020
Little Richard inducted Otis Redding into the Rock Hall in 1989. THIS is how he begins his speech. pic.twitter.com/sUC3XD4PLh
— Who Cares About the Rock Hall? (@rockhallpod) May 9, 2020
Little Richard – Long Tall Sally pic.twitter.com/e6E1xxoser
— Bowie (@JoeyRamone70s) May 10, 2020
Remembering #LittleRichard today… Bruce and I were so lucky and honored to have him officiate our wedding back in 1987 — thankful for the memories. Rest easy ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MFU347Ogij
— Demi Moore (@justdemi) May 9, 2020
R.I.P. King 👑 #LittleRichard Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom .. Hyatt on Sunset …The upcoming rapper and aspiring comedian (Arsenio Hall) met on the street outside “The Comedy Store” the rest is HISTORY 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/3CxjbJY11x
— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) May 9, 2020
The Originator. The innovator. The musician, performer who influenced generations of artists….has left. You were AWESOME #LittleRichard!!! Your talent will reverberate forever. Well done sir. Rest well❤ pic.twitter.com/PsFH4SOUZy
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) May 9, 2020
Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger pays tribute to his "biggest inspiration" Little Richard following the rock pioneer's death https://t.co/Q8qpMe4OoY pic.twitter.com/tACJpzQMur
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) May 9, 2020
RIP #LittleRichard the architect of rock n roll… pic.twitter.com/685HKldASk
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) May 9, 2020
This is a crazy morning for me, just heard about the passing of Little Richard we just lost another giant. I directed the film about his life story starring Leon. May God bless his artistic soul,he truly was “THE ARCHITECT OF ROCK AND ROLL” pic.twitter.com/68fdxQRNAC
— Robert Townsend (@Robert_Townsend) May 9, 2020
Dust To Digital is such a incredible site and curated dedication. Since we are in the era of social distancing please RT this as the ultimate tribute to The Quasar Of Rick and Roll!!! RT RT lets get a million RT on the Incredible Little Richard. My FTP lyric was a 1989 nod to him https://t.co/0ZL7V0z7kc
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) May 9, 2020
"Without #LittleRichard, myself and half of my contemporaries wouldn’t be playing music" expliquait David Bowie en 1991… pic.twitter.com/4LcuMTXzDc
— Jean Louis (@JL7508) May 9, 2020
The Originator. The innovator. The musician, performer who influenced generations of artists….has left. You were AWESOME #LittleRichard!!! Your talent will reverberate forever. Well done sir. Rest well❤ pic.twitter.com/PsFH4SOUZy
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) May 9, 2020
"I'm a singer. I can sing anything. And that's the reason I'm the king."
RIP Little Richard pic.twitter.com/aRS9TGvGf6
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) May 9, 2020
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
Remembering #LittleRichard today… Bruce and I were so lucky and honored to have him officiate our wedding back in 1987 — thankful for the memories. Rest easy ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MFU347Ogij
— Demi Moore (@justdemi) May 9, 2020
I was once asked, “If u could meet one person, who would it be?” I always said Little Richard. Because, to me, he was rock & roll’s most joyous, rebellious innovator.
Thank u for planting that seed, Richard. The world is a much happier place thanks to ur music.#RIPLittleRichard pic.twitter.com/kiq2VOZs8O— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) May 9, 2020
LITTLE RICHARD Is A Cornerstone In The Very Foundation Of Rock & Roll. An Icon. A Songwriter And Performer With A Personality To Match. RIP Superstar. pic.twitter.com/Sdl6Yh59ex
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) May 9, 2020
