By Ian Patrick, FISM News

Feature

Rock n’ Roll pioneer Little Richard has died over the weekend at 87 years of age.  He reportedly died from bone cancer, according to RollingStone.

Little Richard (whose real name is Richard Wayne Penniman)  entered the music scene in the 1950’s with his upbeat, zany, and flamboyant attitude.  His music was an inspiration for rock n’ roll and R&B music, and he himself was a defining member of the Rock n’ Roll genre.  Some of his hit songs include “Tutti Frutti,” “Good Golly, Miss Molly,” and “Long Tall Sally.”  His songs were recorded by artists such as Elvis Presley and The Beatles, and his style and flair also heavily influenced later artists such as Prince and Elton John.

His musical career spanned the entirety of his life.  It included his own secular rock and gospel music as well as random appearances in other concerts and performances.  His accolades include a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 1993, induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2003.

For a more in-depth look into his life and accomplishments, visit the Grammy’s website that further explains the rock n’ roll legend.