Happy Belated 82nd Birthday to Richard Wayne Penniman (December 5, 1932), AKA Little Richard, American recording artist, songwriter, and musician. Penniman has been honored by many institutions, including inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is the recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from The Recording Academy and the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. Pennimans influence on rock and roll was later recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Penniman influenced generations of performers across musical genres. James Brown and Otis Redding both idolized Penniman. Brown allegedly came up with the Famous Flames debut hit, Please, Please, Please, after Penniman had written the words on a napkin. Redding started his professional career with Pennimans band, The Upsetters. Long Tall Sally was the first song McCartney performed in public. During the Beatles Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, Harrison commented, thank you all very much, especially the rock n rollers, an Little Richard there, if it wasnt for (gesturing to Penniman), it was all his fault, really. Upon hearing Long Tall Sally, John Lennon commented that he was so impressed that he couldnt speak. Rolling Stones members Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were also profoundly influenced by Penniman, with Jagger citing him as his first induction to R&B music and referring to him as the originator and my first idol. Bruno Mars admitted Penniman influenced him. Mars song, Runaway Baby from his album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans was cited by the New York Times as channeling Little Richard. Penniman appeared in person to receive an honorary degree from his hometowns Mercer University on May 11, 2013.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 21:37:38 +0000
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