Little Richard a giant in the early stages of Rock ‘n’ Roll whose hit include Tutti Frutti has died at his Tennessee home, surrounded by his family. AGED 87
Little Richard had enormous influence over the genre, with insanely popular hits like the fantastically frenetic, “Tutti-Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally.”
Little Richard His music drew in both young black and white fans at a time when parts of the United States still were strictly segregated. Many white artists, such as Pat Boone, had their own hit versions of Richard’s songs, albeit considerably toned down and “safer” for the pop audience.
“I’ve always thought that rock ‘n’ roll brought the races together,” Richard once told an interviewer. “Although I was black, the fans didn’t care. I used to feel good about that.”
Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, James Brown, Otis Redding, David Bowie and Rod Stewart all cited Little Richard as an influence. Jimi Hendrix, who played in Richard’s band in the mid-1960s, said he wanted to use his guitar the way Richard used his voice.
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Little Richard hits include ‘TUTTI FRUTTI’ & ‘GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY’ (Elvis Presley also recorded) |
The Beatles have credited Little Richard as being inspirational to the Fab Four. Elvis Meets the Beatles |
