The 'Good Golly, Miss Molly' hitmaker has died at the age of 87 after several years of health woes that included hip problems, a stroke, and a heart attack.
- May 10, 2020
AceShowbiz - Rock and roll pioneer Little Richard has died aged 87.
The star, real name Richard Penniman, had been in poor health for several years, suffering hip problems, a stroke, and a heart attack, and his son Danny Penniman confirmed his passing to Rolling Stone on Saturday, May 9, 2020.
The cause of death remains unknown.
Richard was known for his piano-playing and outrageous performance style, wearing heavy make-up and brightly coloured clothes, and is cited as a primary influence by late hitmaker Prince.
He found fame in the 1950s with songs "Tutti Frutti", "Lucille", and "Good Golly, Miss Molly", and went on to influence generations of musicians, including AC/DC and The Beatles.
Richard was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of its first group of inductees in 1986. He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
