Little Richard: Remembering the Man of Raw Energy

Rock n’ roll legend, Little Richard, has passed away at the age of 87. The Georgia native took rock n’ roll to new heights. Born Richard Wayne Penniman, he is often referred to as the pioneer of rhythm and blues.

The cause of his death is stated as a battle with cancer. A statement in the press reads that the singer-songwriter had been ill for two months. He passed away in the company of his brother, sister and son. The details of Little Richard’s illness have not yet been revealed.

Little Richard was and continues to be an influential name in the landscape of rock n’ roll, fun, soul, rhythm and blues music. He is often credited with shaping much of the music in that scene. His contribution is also startlingly apparent in the music that followed his time. Many rock n’ roll acts like The Rolling Stones, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley and more have followed in his musical footsteps.

The announcement of his passing has led to an outpouring of love, condolences and tributes from musicians all over the world. The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger took to Twitter to pay his respects, sharing a few words. They read: “I’m so saddened to hear about the passing of Little Richard, he was the biggest inspiration of my early teens.”

Folk-rock singer-songwriter Bob Dylan also took to social media to pay tribute, writing: “I just heard the news about Little Richard and I’m so grieved. He was my shining star and guiding light back when I was only a little boy. His was the original spirit that moved me to do everything I would do.”

Little Richard leaves behind his family, a persona that can never be forgotten and a legacy that will always be remembered.