By Mark Gray
10:15am PDT, May 9, 2020
Little Richard, a titan in the early days of rock n' roll, passed away on May 9. He was 87. Born Richard Wayne Penniman, he often dubbed himself the "architect" of rock music, as he influenced The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Elton John and so many more. Known for his flamboyant garb and animated expressions, Little Richard was a mainstay on the radio dial in the '50s and '60s, particularly after releasing "Tutti Frutti" in 1956. Following his death, many in the entertainment world paid tribute to the man who made the term "a wop bob alu bob a wop bam boom" famous. Click through to see who is publicly honoring Little Richard…
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"RIP Little Richard, a very sad loss. My thoughts are with his loved ones. It's Little Richard's songs that pioneered rock'n'roll. I got to hear him and his band at the Newport Lounge in Miami and boy were they good." –Jimmy Page
"God bless little Richard one of my all-time musical heroes. Peace and love to all his family." –Ringo Starr
"I served soul food brunch to Little Richard every Sunday for a year while waitressing at Aunt Kizzy's Back Porch in LA. I was a college student. He tipped me a crisp $100 bill each week on a $75 breakfast with friends. This was 30 years ago. Helped me so much. God rest his soul." –Ava Duvernay
"I interviewed Little Richard some years ago he was awesome. There has been anything close to his volcanic explosion of talent into forming Rock and Roll in the 1950s. I knew Andre Harrell and first met him mopping a HarlemWorld floor in 80, worked with his artists. Rest in Beats." –Chuck D
"Sadly, Little Richard passed away today. A founding Father of Rock And Roll, his contributions simply can't be overstated. I had the honor of meeting Richard in his later years and was awed by his presence. He told me, 'I am the architect of Rock And Roll.' Amen! ..Rest In Peace." –Gene Simmons
"'I was the architect of Rock!' He demanded his flowers while alive. One of my favorite entertainers of all time. Rest In Praise Richard Wayne Penniman Aka #LittleRichard" –Tamron Hall
"RIP #LittleRichard the architect of rock n roll…" –Billy Idol
"The King Of Rock And Roll. Zero Questions. Journalists Do Your Job. Not ARCHITECT not PIONEER. not HITMAKER. This man was literally THE BLUEPRINT of all the world took from. LITTLE RICHARD is THE TRUE KING. LONG LIVE THE KING." –Questlove
"I reached out to the legends legend Little Richard……he accepted. When he arrived in the studio, he made all of us feel like little kids. He played, he sang, he laughed and told us stories." –Jon Bon Jovi
"A couple weeks ago I randomly decided to read up on the legendary Little Richard on wiki. I learned then about how he developed The Beatles and saved The Rolling Stones" –Chance The Rapper
"My thoughts go out to #LittleRichard's family and band mates. I am so sorry for your loss" –Cyndi Lauper
"I'm very sorry to hear about Little Richard. He was there at the beginning and showed us all how to rock and roll. He was a such a great talent and will be missed. Little Richard's music will last forever." –Brian Wilson
"RIP Little Richard. The man who invented Rock and Roll. Elvis popularized it. Chuck Berry was the storyteller. Richard was the archetype. Maureen and I were so honored being the first marriage he conducted. We were lucky to know him. He lives forever in the Underground Garage." –Steven Van Zandt
"Dear Little Richard, thank you, RIP" –Iggy Pop
"It is with a heavy heart that I ask for prayers for the family of my lifelong friend and fellow Rocker 'Little Richard.' He will live on always in my heart with his amazing talent and his friendship! He was one of a kind and I will miss him dearly. God Bless his family and fans. Rest In Peace, my friend." –Jerry Lee Lewis
"Thank you, Mr. Penniman. RIP #LittleRichard" –Richard Marx
"In the late 1980s, I was walking down Hollywood Blvd, a black limo drove by slowly, Little Richard waved at us from the back window with a crazy look on his face. A giant in Rock and Roll music." –Krist Novoselic
"Just got word that Little Richard has passed away. So many musical memories of this unique talent and we were honored to have him at the Volunteer Jam one year. He was one of a kind. Rest in peace Richard Penniman" –Charlie Daniels
"Wow!!! Sorry to here this true legend has passed. #LittleRichard was an Original, Innovator, and a Leader of tolerance and acceptance." –Cedric The Entertainer
"#LittleRichard Rest in peace and power." –Carol King
"Little Richard left for Heaven last night! He was a big influence in my life! 'Keep a knocking Richard' gonna miss you! Loved your music!" –Tommy Chong
