Little Richard received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing his contributions to music and culture.
He was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, highlighting his lasting impact on the music industry.
Little Richard's personal life included a marriage to Ernestine Harvin, which ended in divorce due to the pressures of fame.
Biography
Early Life
Richard Wayne Penniman, known to the world as Little Richard, was born on December 5, 1932, in Macon, Georgia. He was the third of twelve children in a religious family, with a father who was a church deacon and a nightclub owner. From a young age, Richard was exposed to music, singing in church and taking piano lessons. His childhood was marked by a mischievous spirit, and he was affectionately nicknamed "Lil' Richard" by his family. Despite facing challenges, including a leg deformity that affected his gait, he found solace in music, particularly in the vibrant atmosphere of Pentecostal churches.
Career
Little Richard's music career began in earnest in 1947 when he caught the attention of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who invited him to open her show. He quickly made a name for himself, performing in various shows and adopting flamboyant stage personas. His breakthrough came in the mid-1950s with hits like "Tutti Frutti," which showcased his energetic piano playing and powerful vocals. Over the years, he released numerous albums, including "Here's Little Richard" and "The Fabulous Little Richard," solidifying his status as a pioneer of rock and roll. His innovative style and emotive performances influenced countless artists across genres, from rock to hip hop.
Personal Life
Little Richard's personal life was as colorful as his music. He had a complex relationship with his sexuality, identifying as homosexual, which he navigated alongside his public persona. He married Ernestine Harvin in 1959, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1964, partly due to the pressures of his fame. Throughout his life, Richard faced challenges related to his identity and relationships, but he remained a beloved figure in the music world until his passing on May 9, 2020.
Legacy
Little Richard's impact on music is immeasurable. He is often referred to as the "Architect of Rock and Roll," having laid the groundwork for future genres like soul and funk. His dynamic performances and distinctive vocal style helped shape the sound of popular music for decades. Richard's contributions were recognized with numerous accolades, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, ensuring that his legacy endures in the hearts of music lovers everywhere.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
Tutti Frutti Reloaded2009
- 1.Good Golly Miss Molly2:08
- 2.Hey Hey Hey Hey2:10
- 3.Hound Dog2:14
- 4.Lucille2:23
- 5.Ooh! My Soul2:07
- 6.Ready Teddy2:13
- 7.Rip It Up2:26
- 8.She’s Got It2:45
- 9.Tutti Frutti2:28
- 10.Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On2:50
- 11.Megamix: Tutti Frutti Up / Hound Dog / Good Golly Miss Molly / Ready Teddy / She’s Go…2:24
- 12.Megamix: Rip It Up Up / Hound Dog / Good Golly Miss Molly / Ready Teddy / She’s Got I…2:22
- 13.Megamix: Hound Dog Up / Hound Dog / Good Golly Miss Molly/Ready Teddy / She’s Got I…2:03
- 14.Megamix: Good Golly Miss Molly2:03
- 15.Megamix: Ready Teddy Up / Hound Dog / Good Golly Miss Molly / Ready Teddy / She’s Got…2:08
- 16.Megamix: She’s Got It Up / Hound Dog / Good Golly Miss Molly / Ready Teddy / She’s Go…2:40
- 17.Megamix: Ooh! My Soul Up / Hound Dog / Good Golly Miss Molly / Ready Teddy / She’s Go…2:06
- 18.Megamix: Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On2:41
- 19.Megamix: Hey Hey Hey Hey Up / Hound Dog / Good Golly Miss Molly / Ready Teddy / She’s…2:01
- 20.Megamix: Lucille Up / Hound Dog / Good Golly Miss Molly / Ready Teddy / She’s Got It /…2:20
Shake It All About1992
- 1.The Hokey Pokey2:49
- 2.On Top of Spaghetti2:56
- 3.Old MacDonald3:59
- 4.She’ll Be Comin’ Around the Mountain2:38
- 5.Zip‐a‐Dee‐Doo‐Dah3:06
- 6.Keep a Knockin’3:02
- 7.Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star3:18
- 8.If You’re Happy and You Know It3:39
- 9.When the Saints Go Marching In3:41
- 10.He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands2:13
- 11.Here We Go Loopty‐Loo3:24
- 12.Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone?2:14
Little Richard Meets Masayoshi Takanaka1992
- 1.Good Golly Miss Molly3:39
- 2.Tutti Frutti3:38
- 3.Miss Ann4:43
- 4.Lucille3:48
- 5.Long Tall Sally3:28
- 6.Send Me Some Lovin'3:30
- 7.Jenny Jenny3:08
- 8.Rip It Up3:08
- 9.Kansas City - Hey Hey Hey Hey3:51
- 10.Ready Teddy3:32
The Wildest!1992
- 1.Tutti Frutti2:23
- 2.Long Tall Sally2:04
- 3.Slippin’ and Slidin’2:35
- 4.Rip It Up2:20
- 5.The Girl Can’t Help It2:26
- 6.Lucille2:29
- 7.Send Me Some Lovin’2:26
- 8.Jenny, Jenny2:01
- 9.Keep Knockin’2:09
- 10.Good Golly Miss Molly2:07
- 11.Ooh! My Soul1:52
- 12.Baby Face2:33
- 13.Keep a Knockin’2:09
- 14.Ready Teddy2:12
- 15.She’s Got It2:36
- 16.Miss Ann2:14
Lifetime Friend1986
- 1.Great Gosh A'Mighty4:50
- 2.Operator4:54
- 3.Somebody's Comin'3:42
- 4.Lifetime Friend3:40
- 5.Destruction3:49
- 6.I Found My Way3:42
- 7.The World Can't Do Me3:49
- 8.One Ray of Sunshine4:44
- 9.Someone Cares4:31
- 10.Big House Reunion4:05
God’s Beautiful City1979
- 1.There Is Someone Worse Off Than I Am5:25
- 2.If You've Got The Lord on Your Side Everything Will Be All Right4:41
- 3.It Is No Secret What God Can Do4:33
- 4.I Surrender All3:55
- 5.Little Richard's Testimony: What Am I Supposed to Do Without Jesus10:50
- 6.Little Richard's Testimony: Come by Here, My Lord2:43
- 7.God's Beautiful City4:41
20 Super Hits1976
- 1.Lucille2:28
- 2.Good Golly, Miss Molly2:07
- 3.Ready Teddy2:12
- 4.Baby Face2:08
- 5.Bama Lama Bama Loo2:15
- 6.All Around the World2:21
- 7.By the Light of the Silvery Moon2:04
- 8.Send Me Some Lovin'2:26
- 9.Rip It Up2:20
- 10.Jenny, Jenny2:01
- 11.Tutti Frutti2:23
- 12.Long Tall Sally2:04
- 13.She's Got It2:35
- 14.The Girl Can't Help It2:28
- 15.True, Fine Mama2:37
- 16.Can't Believe You Want to Leave2:30
- 17.Miss Ann2:14
- 18.Ooh! My Soul1:52
- 19.Slippin' & Slidin'2:33
- 20.Keep a Knockin'2:10
Right Now!1973
- 1.In the Name3:08
- 2.Mississippi2:41
- 3.Don't You Know I3:03
- 4.Chain, Chain, Chain4:14
- 5.Gerald Jones6:30
- 6.Dock of the Bay2:51
- 7.Chains of Love8:15
- 8.Hot Nuts6:16
The Second Coming1972
- 1.Mockinbird Sally3:37
- 2.Second Line4:46
- 3.It Ain’t What You Do, It’s the Way How You Do It2:41
- 4.The Saints4:57
- 5.Nuki Suki5:27
- 6.Rockin’ Rockin’ Boogie5:27
- 7.Prophet of Peace3:16
- 8.Thomasine3:07
- 9.Sanctified, Satisfied Toe‐Tapper7:06
Well Alright!1971
- 1.Poor Boy Paul1:57
- 2.Directly From My Heart2:35
- 3.The Girl Can't Help It2:30
- 4.Wonderin'2:48
- 5.Bama-Lama Bama-Loo2:12
- 6.Kansas City2:15
- 7.Keep A-Knockin'2:17
- 8.All Night Long2:11
- 9.Well Alright!2:17
- 10.She Knows How to Rock1:58
- 11.Annie Is Back2:27
- 12.Shake a Hand2:55
Mr. Big1971
- 1.Jenny, Jenny1:56
- 2.Without Love (There Is Nothing)3:20
- 3.Cross Over2:39
- 4.My Wheel’s Been Slipping All the Way2:25
- 5.It Ain’t Watcha Do (It’s the Way How You Do It)2:22
- 6.Every Time I Think About You2:11
- 7.Talking ’Bout Soul2:11
- 8.I Don’t Know What You Got (but It’s Got Me) (Part 1)4:01
- 9.I Don’t Know What You Got (but It’s Got Me) (Part 2)2:27
- 10.Dance What You Wanna2:23
- 11.Dancin’ All Around the World2:37
King of Rock and Roll1971
- 1.King of Rock and Roll3:08
- 2.Joy to the World6:44
- 3.Brown Sugar3:18
- 4.In the Name3:05
- 5.Dancing in the Street5:29
- 6.Midnight Special3:56
- 7.The Way You Do the Things You Do3:26
- 8.Green Power3:56
- 9.I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry2:35
- 10.Settin' the Woods on Fire2:18
- 11.Born on the Bayou4:23
The Rill Thing1970
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Explosive Little Richard1967
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Wild & Frantic Little Richard1966
Tracklist not collected yet.
Little Richard, the Most Dynamic Entertainer of the Generation: His Greatest Hits1965
Tracklist not collected yet.
Little Richard Is Back (and There’s a Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On!)1964
Tracklist not collected yet.
Little Richard Sings1964
Tracklist not collected yet.
It's Real: The King of the Gospel Singers1961
Tracklist not collected yet.
Pray Along With Little Richard Vol. 1: I’ll Never Walk Alone1960
Tracklist not collected yet.
Pray Along With Little Richard Vol. 2: I Believe...1960
Tracklist not collected yet.
Little Richard1958
Tracklist not collected yet.
Little Richard1958
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Fabulous Little Richard1958
Tracklist not collected yet.
Here’s Little Richard1957
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Label
- Record label
- RCA
- Record label
- Brunswick Records
- Record label
- Specialty
- Record label
- Mercury Records
- Record label
- Vee-Jay Records
- Record label
- Reprise Records
- Record label
- Apple Records
- Record label
- Manticore Records
Achievements
- Award
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Award
- star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Award
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Groups
- R.A.D.D. (Recording Artists Against Drunk Driving)current
- Tempo Toppers1953–1953
- Little Richard and His Bandeponymous, lead vocals, original, piano · 1955–1956
- Little Richard Showoriginal · 1964–1964
Similar artists
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: Littla Richard, Little Richard and the Royal Company, Richard Penniman, Richard W. Penniman, Richard Wayne Penniman, リトル・リチャード
Richard Wayne Penniman, better known by his stage name Little Richard, was an American singer-songwriter and pianist. He was an influential figure in popular music and culture for seven decades. Referred to 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 backbeat and powerful raspy vocals, laid the foundation for rock and roll. Richard's innovative emotive vocalizations and uptempo rhythmic music played a key role in the formation of other popular music genres, including soul and funk. He influenced singers and musicians across musical genres and his music helped shape rhythm and blues for generations.
All links
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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