Early Life and Rise to Fame
Little Richard, born Richard Wayne Penniman in Macon, Georgia, became one of the founders of rock and roll. His energetic performances and hits like "Tutti Frutti" and "Good Golly, Miss Molly" shaped popular music in the 1950s.
Career Shifts and Later Work
In the early 1960s, he stepped back from secular music to study ministry, then returned to recording and performing. He continued to tour, appear in films, and influence younger artists, while maintaining a distinctive stage presence.
Later Life and Legacy
Little Richard remained an active performer and public figure for decades. He received honors such as induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He died in May 2020, leaving a lasting impact on music and culture.
Learn more about Little Richard's life and career at Britannica.
