Little Richard Biography: Songs, Cause of Death, Movies, Wife, Age, Awards, Net Worth, Parents, Siblings

Little Richard, born Richard Wayne Penniman, was an American singer, pianist, and songwriter who played a pivotal role in the formation of rock and roll.

Emerging in the mid-1950s, his performances, fervent piano playing, and powerful vocals set him apart in the burgeoning music scene. His 1955 hit “Tutti Frutti” catapulted him to fame.

Profile

• Full name: Richard Wayne Penniman
• Nickname: Little Richard
• Date of birth: December 5, 1932
• Age as of 2025: Deceased
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Macon, Georgia, USA
• State of origin: Georgia
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Singer, Pianist, Songwriter, Minister
• Height: Approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
• Parents: Father: Charles “Bud” Penniman; Mother: Leva Mae Penniman (née Stewart)
• Siblings: 11 siblings
• Spouse: Ernestine Harvin (m. 1959; div. 1961)
• Children: Danny Jones Penniman (adopted son)
• Relationship status: Single at time of death
• Religion: Christian (Seventh-day Adventist; later associated with other denominations)
• Ethnicity: African American
• Net worth: $40 million at time of death

Early Life and Education

Richard Wayne Penniman was born on December 5, 1932, in Macon, Georgia. He was the third of twelve children born to Charles “Bud” Penniman and Leva Mae Penniman (née Stewart). Growing up in a devout Christian household, Richard was exposed to gospel music from an early age, which significantly influenced his musical style.

His father, Bud, was a stern man who made his living selling moonshine and had a rough relationship with Richard, particularly due to Richard‘s effeminate mannerisms and early signs of homosexuality.

This tension led to Richard being ordered to move out of the family home at the age of 13. Tragically, when Richard was 19, his father was shot dead outside a local bar.

Richard attended Hudson High School but did not graduate, choosing instead to pursue his passion for music. His early exposure to gospel and rhythm and blues in the vibrant musical environment of Macon laid the foundation for his future career.

Personal Life

In 1959, Little Richard married Ernestine Harvin, a union that lasted until their amicable divorce in 1961. The couple adopted a son, Danny Jones Penniman, whom Richard raised and cared for deeply.

Throughout his life, Richard grappled with his sexual orientation, at times identifying as homosexual and at other times renouncing it, reflecting the internal conflict between his religious beliefs and his sexuality.

Career

Little Richard‘s career began in the early 1950s, performing on the Chitlin’ Circuit, a network of venues that catered to African American musicians.

His breakthrough came in 1955 with the release of “Tutti Frutti,” a song that showcased his exuberant performance style and innovative fusion of gospel fervor with rhythm and blues. This track, characterized by its energetic beat and Richard‘s spirited vocals, became an instant hit, crossing over to the pop charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

Following this success, Richard released a series of hits, including “Long Tall Sally,” “Rip It Up,” and “Lucille,” each cementing his status as a pioneering figure in rock and roll. His performances were marked by their high energy, flamboyant costumes, and charismatic stage presence, influencing generations of musicians across various genres.

Despite a brief hiatus in the late 1950s when he pursued a calling in ministry, Richard returned to secular music, continuing to perform and record into the 21st century. His ability to blend sacred and secular themes, along with his boundary-pushing performances, left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Awards and Nominations

• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1986)
• Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
• Lifetime Achievement Award from The Recording Academy
• Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation
• Rhapsody & Rhythm Award from the National Museum of African American Music (2015)
• “Tutti Frutti” included in the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress (2010)

Net Worth

At the time of his death in 2020, Little Richard‘s net worth was estimated to be approximately $40 million. This wealth was accumulated through decades of performances, record sales, and songwriting royalties.

Death

Little Richard passed away on May 9, 2020, at the age of 87, in Tullahoma, Tennessee. The cause of death was bone cancer, a diagnosis he had been privately battling.

His death marked the end of an era, and tributes poured in from around the globe, honoring his groundbreaking contributions to music and his role as a trailblazer for future generations of artists.

Social Media

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Filmography

• The Girl Can’t Help It (1956)
• Mister Rock and Roll (1957)
• Don’t Knock the Rock (1957)
• Catalina Caper (1967)
• Let the Good Times Roll (1973)
• Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986)
• Purple People Eater (1988)
• Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1998)
• The Trumpet of the Swan (2001) (voice role)
• Little Richard: I Am Everything (2023) (documentary)

Discography

• Here’s Little Richard (1957)
• Little Richard (1958)
• The Fabulous Little Richard (1959)
• Pray Along with Little Richard (1960)
• The King of the Gospel Singers (1962)
• Little Richard Is Back (1964)
• The Explosive Little Richard (1967)
• The Rill Thing (1970)
• King of Rock and Roll (1971)
• The Second Coming (1972)
• Right Now! (1973)
• Little Richard Live (1976)
• God’s Beautiful City (1979)
• Lifetime Friend (1986)
• Shake It All About (1992)

Books

• Little Richard: The Birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll
• The Life and Times of Little Richard: The Authorized Biography
• Tutti Frutti: Little Richard’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Revolution