Little Richard, Rock’n’Roll Pioneer Dies At 87

Little Richard, the founding father of rock and roll, who influenced generations of musicians, has died at the age of 87.

Rolling Stone magazine said Richard’s son, Danny Penniman, “confirmed the pioneer’s death  but said the cause of death was unknown”.

The singer had been in poor health for several years, suffering hip problems, a stroke, and a heart attack.

Born as Richard Wayne Penniman on Dec. 5, 1932, he grew up in a house in the Pleasant Hill neighborhood in Macon, Georgia. He was one of 12 children

In a post on Instagram, band member Kelvin Holly said: “Rest in peace, Richard. This one really stings. My thoughts and prayers go out to all my bandmates and fans all over the world. Richard truly was the king!”

The Rocket Man singer once told Rolling Stone: “I heard Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, and that was it.

“I didn’t ever want to be anything else. I’m more of a Little Richard stylist than a Jerry Lee Lewis, I think. Jerry Lee is a very intricate piano player and very skillful, but Little Richard is more of a pounder.”