Little Richard, Music Legend, Dead at 87

Music legend Little Richard, known for his boisterous personality and genuine spirit as well as his long list of iconic hits, has passed away at the age of 87. He passed away this morning, and the news was confirmed to Rolling Stone by Richard’s son Danny Penniman. It isn’t known yet what the cause of death was, but we will keep you posted as more details are released. Our thoughts are with Richard’s family and friends at this difficult time. The legend is known for hits like Tutti Frutti, Lucille, and Good Golly Miss Molly just to name a few, and the impact he had not only on Rock and Roll but the music industry as a whole cannot be understated.

It was far from easy at first, and leading up to Tutti Frutti he was washing dishes at the Greyhound Bus Station. That’s actually when he came up with the now-famous chorus to the song, and that’s also when he wrote his future hits Long Tall Sally and Good Golly Miss Molly. Those hits would catapult him into music legend, and coupled with his famous style and animated theatrics, he would inspire musicians many years later.

Even all these years later he was still performing, though in a more limited capacity. Due to hip surgery, he couldn’t move on stage like he once did, but he never let that stop him, playing the keys as full of life and wonder as he ever did and dazzling crowds in the same amazing way.

Tributes have already started coming in for the icon, and that includes another icon Charlie Daniels, who paid tribute to the legend on Twitter.

“Just got word that Little Richard has passed away.
So many musical memories of this unique talent and we were honored to have him at the Volunteer Jam one year
He was one of a kind
Rest in peace Richard Penniman”

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.