Little Richard has passed away at the age of 87, as confirmed by his son Danny Penniman. Born Richard Wayne Penniman, the music icon came to prominence in the 1950s and influenced everyone from Elton John to the Beatles. His cause of death is still unconfirmed.

The artist was born on December 5, 1932 in Macon, Georgia as one of 12 children. He left home at the age of 13 and took up the moniker “Little Richard” at 15. By 1951, he signed his first record deal with RCA.

However he gave up music in 1957 to become an ordained minister. He later returned with gospel music, and went back to secular rock music in 1964. In the 1970s he struggled with drug use and appeared in the documentary Let the Good Times Roll.

At times in his career he denounced LGBTQ lifestyles, while at other times identifying as gay and omnisexual.

His family has yet to announce plans for a memorial.

Below you can watch his videos:

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/little-richard-dead-48505/

source hypebeast

LITTLE RICHARD         RCA