Richard Wayne Penniman (December 5, 1932 – May 9, 2020) was an American musician, singer, and songwriter known professionally as Little Richard. He was a major presence in popular music and culture for seven decades. Richard’s most acclaimed work, dubbed the “Architect of Rock and Roll,” originates from the mid-1950s, when his captivating showmanship and dynamic music, marked by frenzied piano playing, pounding backbeats, and raspy yelled vocals, established the groundwork for rock and roll.
Richard’s creative expressive vocalizations and uptempo rhythmic music influenced the development of other popular music genres such as soul and funk. He impacted many singers and musicians from rock to hip-hop, and his music helped shape rhythm and blues for generations.
“Tutti Frutti” (1955), one of Richard’s defining songs, was an instant hit, reaching the top of the pop charts in both the US and the UK. His second hit single, “Long Tall Sally,” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Rhythm and Blues Best-Sellers chart in 1956, and was quickly followed by fifteen more in less than three years.
During this time, his performances resulted in the merging of White Americans and African Americans in his audience. After a five-year hiatus from rock & roll in favor of born-again Christianity, concert organizer Don Arden persuaded Richard to tour Europe in 1962. During this time, the Beatles supported Richard on some of his tour dates. Richard coached the Beatles on how to perform his songs and taught Paul McCartney his unique vocalizations.
What was Little Richard’s net worth when he died?
Little Richard was an American musician who died with a net worth of $40 million.
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