The singer, who inspired musicians including The Beatles and Sir Elton John, was a Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer and renowned for hits such as Tutti Frutti and Long Tall Sally.

Little Richard

Little Richard

Chic star Nile Rodgers described Little Richard’s death as “the loss of a true giant” while radio presenter Tony Blackburn said the singer was a “terrific artiste”.

It's Little Richard. 1964 UK TV Show

Little Richard, born Richard Penniman, sold more than 30 million records worldwide.

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Little Richard set the template, pure ROCKANDROLL flamboyant fury. What a Showman. A Pioneer & an absolute force of nature & could make your head spin when watching him perform. As all the greats do, if done right they induce dizziness. No one stood in front of him. One of those Artists that had the full package & one must pass through the Music of Little Richard to call themselves a ROCKANDROLL Musician. BARBARIAN OVERLORDS performed “Long Tall Sally” @ almost every Show & it was always a highlight for me. I tried to steal all of his tricks. We should change the name ROCKANDROLL to Little Richard. Rest easy now man... #littlerichard #rockandroll #soul #country #blues #pioneer #template #thankyou

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The singer was a major influence on The Beatles, who first met him when they were an up-and-coming young band playing in Germany.

Little Richard, born Richard Penniman
Little Richard, born Richard Penniman

Speaking in 2002, Little Richard said: “Paul (McCartney) would watch me every night when I was up on stage. Paul idolised me and admired my energy.

“The way you see Mick Jagger and Tina Turner walk all over the stage is what I used to do. That’s where they all got it from.”

The singer’s son, Danny Penniman, confirmed his death to Rolling Stone magazine, while the Associated Press was told by Pastor Bill Minson that the star died on Saturday morning.

Rolling Stone said Sir Elton told the magazine in 1973: “I heard Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, and that was it. I didn’t ever want to be anything else.”

Looking back at Little Richards Songs

“Tutti-Frutti” (1955): Recorded in 1955 and became his first major hit record.

“Long Tall Sally (The Thing)” (1956):  The Beatles recorded "Long Tall Sally" at EMI Studios in London 

“Slippin’ and Slidin'” (1956): John Lennon recorded his version of the song for his 1975 album Rock 'n' Roll.

“Ready Teddy” (1956): Has been covered by Buddy Holly, The Tornados, Elvis Presley, Tony Sheridan.

“Heeby-Jeebies” (1956)

“All Around the World” (1956)

“The Girl Can’t Help It” (1956)

“Rip It Up” (1956)

“Send Me Some Lovin'” (1957)

“Jenny Jenny” (1957)

“Lucille” (1957)

“Keep A-Knockin'” (1957)

“Good Golly, Miss Molly” (1958)

“Ooh! My Soul” (1958)

“Kansas City”/”Hey Hey Hey Hey” (1959)

“By the Light of the Silvery Moon” (1959)

“Bama Lama Bama Loo” (1964)

“I Don’t Know What You’ve Got but It’s Got Me” (1965)

“I Need Love” (1967)

“Freedom Blues” (1970)

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