Richard Wayne Penniman (December 5, 1932 – May 9, 2020), known professionally as Little Richard, was an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He was an influential figure in popular music and culture for seven decades. Described as the "Architect of Rock and Roll", Richard's most celebrated work dates from the mid-1950s, when his charismatic showmanship and dynamic music, characterized by frenetic piano playing, pounding back beat and raspy shouted vocals, laid the foundation for rock and roll. Richard's innovative emotive vocalizations and uptempo rhythmic music also played a key role in the formation of other popular music genres, including soul and funk. He influenced numerous singers and musicians across musical genres from rock to hip hop; his music helped shape rhythm and blues for generations.
You can find people similar to Little Richard by visiting our lists Singer-songwriters from Georgia (U.S. state) and 20th-century American male singers.
Full name at birth | Richard Wayne Penniman
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Claim to fame | rock and roll hits including 'Tutti Frutti', 'Good Golly Miss Molly' and 'Long Tall Sally'
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Date of birth | 5 December 1932
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Place of birth | Macon, Georgia, USA
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Date of death | 9 May 2020
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Age | 87 (age at death)
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Place of death | Tullahoma, Tennessee, USA
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Cause of death | Bone Cancer
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Resting place | Oakwood University Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Huntsville, Alabama, USA
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Occupation | Singer-songwriter, musician
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Height | 5' 10" (178 cm)
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Weight | 154 lbs (70 kg)
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Pets | pets |
Residence | Macon, Georgia, USA
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Little Richard is known for his role in the film The Pickle (1993) as performer: "Good Golly Miss Molly".
He is also known for his role in the film Purple People Eater (1988) as performer: "Good Golly Miss Molly".
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