Little Richard Dies at 87, Loss of a Legend

The world is mourning the loss of Little Richard, who died today at the age of 87 from bone cancer, according to his agent, Dick Alen, who told People Magazine that the singer was living with his brother in Nashville and had been suffering for a number of years.

Did you know that Little Richard had not had a Top Ten hit since the 1950s? “Tutti Frutti, “Long Tall Sally”, “Good Golly Miss Molly” and “Keep a-Knockin'” are the best-known of his hit songs. What hits they still are! His impact on Rock ‘n’ Roll cannot be understated. Here is Little Richard performing “Good Golly Miss Molly at Muhammad Ali’s 50th birthday. “The Champ” called him “The King.”

Tributes, sharing similar sentiments, poured in from the many superstars who worked with him and were inspired by his talent, style and boundless energy.

Jerry Lee Lewis, whose own celebrated career took off about the same time as Little Richard’s, released this statement: “It is with a heavy heart that I ask for prayers for the family of my lifelong friend and fellow Rocker ‘Little Richard.’ He will live on always in my heart with his amazing talent and his friendship! He was one of a kind and I will miss him dearly. God Bless his family and fans. Rest In Peace, my friend.”

Rolling Stones vocalist Mick Jagger acknowledged Little Richard’s influence on Twitter: “When we were on tour with him I would watch his moves every night and learn from him how to entertain and involve the audience and he was always so generous with advice to me.”

Elton John said: “Without a doubt — musically, vocally and visually — he was my biggest influence….”

Steven Van Zandt of the E Street Band called him “The man who invented Rock and Roll. Elvis popularized it. Chuck Berry was the storyteller. Richard was the archetype,” noting that he and his wife were lucky to have been the first marriage Little Richard conducted. Ringo Starr said that Little Richard was one of his all-time musical heroes. Bob Dylan said: “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.”

Rest in peace, Little Richard. Your music will never die.