Little Richard's Posthumous Birthday
 Richard Wayne Penniman aka "Little Richard" December 5, 1932 – May 9, 2020 |
I enjoyed his various escapades over the years and some of the commercial spots were hilarious as he simply took the stage and became himself.
Little Richard died at the age of 87 On May 9, 2020 at his home in Tullahoma, Tennessee in the presence of his son and two siblings from the consequences of bone cancer after a two-month bout with the disease. He was layed to rest at Oakwood University Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama.
His given name was Richard Wayne Penniman and he was a musician, singer, and songwriter. His influence spanned popular music and culture for some seven decades.
His industry called him "The Innovator, The Originator, and The Architect of Rock and Roll" and his heyday was in the mid 1950s. His rhythmic playing is described as charismatic showmanship with extremely up tempo dynamic music the hallmark of which was that piano which he commanded up one side and down the other. His pronounced beat and loud penetrating vocals were the beginnings of rock and roll.
He had a long successful career because of the uniqueness he presented to the world.
Rest in peace.