Overview (5)

Mini Bio (1)

Richard Wayne Penniman, better known as Little Richard, the self-proclaimed "Architect of Rock 'n' Roll", traveled in his early days with the legendary vaudeville star Spencer "Snake" Anthony. One of Richard's early bands had the young, then unknown singer James Brown (the Godfather of Soul), a fourteen-year-old keyboardist named Billy Preston, and the famous and legendary rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix. His first recording session took place at WGST in Atlanta, Georgia, USA; he was backed by a local band led by Billy Wright. This session produced a local hit called "Every Hour" which enjoyed heavy airplay on Atlanta's WERD radio station which was the first completely Black-owned radio station in the United States. Little Richard was backed up by his idol Billy Wright, once referred to him as the most fantastic entertainer he had ever seen. Indeed, it was Wright who used a brand of makeup called Pancake 31.



Little Richard admitted to copying Wright's penchant for heavy makeup and wild stage theatrics. With a public persona and personal life marked by sexual ambiguity, he would make his mark with later hits such as the suggestive "Tutti Frutti" and "Good Golly Miss Molly". Unbeknownst to many fans, Richard overcame a debilitating drug habit and eventually became an ordained minister. Beginning in the 1980s, he saw a resurgence in his popularity as he acquired small acting roles where he impressed fans, old and new, with his unique comedic timing. As versatile and ageless as ever, Little Richard continues to delight fans the world over with his extraordinary stage presence and flamboyant antics. Now inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the American Songwriters Hall of Fame, he remains one of the most popular entertainers in the world.

- IMDb Mini Biography By: Community

Spouse (1)

Ernestine Campbell (11 July 1959 - 1963) ( divorced) ( 1 child)

Trade Mark (5)

Often humorously told his audiences (or anyone within earshot) to "SHUT UP!"



Powerful voice punctuated by high-pitched screams and moans



His beaming, wide smile



Pencil moustache



Exuberant or bombastic stage persona



Trivia (21)

He appeared in the music video and sang lead vocals on the song "Voices That Care".





He presided over the 1987 Las Vegas marriage of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore at the Golden Nugget Hotel. Former brat packer Ally Sheedy was a bridesmaid.

He was voted the 8th Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Artist of all time by Rolling Stone.





He was one of the greatest musical influences on Paul McCartney and David Bowie . According to producer Nile Rodgers , Richard was the initial inspiration for Bowie's biggest ever album, "Let's Dance" (1983). Bowie once said: "When I heard Little Richard, it just set my world on fire".



Jimi Hendrix was a member of one of his touring bands, before Hendrix launched his solo career.



He became close to The Beatles when he toured England in the early 1960s. He and Beatles manager Brian Epstein got along especially well. Epstein persuaded him to lend his personal microphone to another singer when the stage mic failed, and to perform an extra concert.

He had one leg three inches shorter than the other; would sometimes wake up from a night of partying, with one pant-leg cuff noticeably frayed from walking barefoot.



He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6840 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on June 21, 1990.



He was awarded a star on the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee in November 2008.



He was awarded a star on the Apollo Theater Walk of Fame in Manhattan, New York City on May 11, 2010.



He was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame (1984), the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1986), the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame (2002), and the American Songwriters Hall of Fame (2003).



He was inducted into the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame (2006), the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame (2009), the Blues Hall of Fame (2015), and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame (2015).



Was the third born child in his family, with five sisters and six brothers.



Had five sisters: Leva "Sylvia", Elnora "Peggie", Freka Merrill, Artis "Elaine" Harmison, and Gail.



Had six brothers: Horace "Tony" Penniman, Walter Penniman, Robert Penniman, Charles Penniman Jr., Marquette Penniman, and Peyton Penniman.



His nieces include Charita Penniman and Laudina Penniman, and his nephews include Charles Penniman II and Dena Penniman.



With Ernestine Campbell, had a son named Danny Penniman.



His mother was Leva Mae Penniman, and his father was Charles "Bud" Penniman.



His music was on two diffrent Arnold Schwarzenegger movie soundtracks predator and last action hero which he also had a cameo in.



He is buried at Oakwood Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama.



Personal Quotes (6)

The band hated that makeup. If we didn't put on makeup, they wouldn't have let us in those white clubs. They figured we weren't gonna bother the white girls.





[on Elvis Presley ] Elvis may be the King of Rock and Roll, but I am the Queen.



[on Elvis Presley ] He was an integrator, Elvis was a blessing. They wouldn't let black music through. He opened the door for black music.

The grass may look greener on the other side, but it's just as hard to cut.



I'm a conductor of revivals. The only minister in the whole package. Little Richard, the evangelist.



I am the architect of rock 'n' roll. I have to be a fan of all its forms.

