Little Richard Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Family, Songs, Death, Albums, Photos

Biography

Richard Wayne Penniman (born December 5, 1932), whose stage name was Little Richard, was an influential American musician who helped mold and establish rock and roll. 

He excelled in various musical positions as a vocalist, songwriter, and pianist. Little Richard‘s immense talent and imaginative style have earned him a position as one of the genre’s pioneers, influencing mainstream music’s direction. 

Little Richard
Wiki Facts & About Data
Full Name:	Richard Wayne Penniman
Stage Name:	Little Richard
Born:	5 December 1932 (age 87 years old)
Place of Birth:	Macon, Georgia, United States
Died:	9 May 2020 (age 87 years), Tullahoma, Tennessee, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	Oakwood University
Height:	1.77 m
Parents:	Charles Penniman, Leva Mae Stewart
Siblings:	Robert Penniman, Tony Penniman
Spouse:	Ernestine Campbell (m. 1959–1963)
Girlfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	Danny Jones Penniman
Occupation:	Singer • Pianist
Net Worth:	$40 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Little Richard, an incredibly influential musician from the United States, was born in Macon, Georgia, on December 5, 1932. 

Raised by his parents, Charles Penniman and Leva Mae Stewart, he grew up alongside his two siblings, Robert Penniman and Tony Penniman. Little Richard attended Ballard-Hudson High School and later graduated from Oakwood University.

Career

Little Richard was an influential American musician who helped mold and establish rock and roll. He excelled in various musical positions as a vocalist, songwriter, and pianist. His immense talent and imaginative style have earned him a position as one of the genre’s pioneers, influencing mainstream music’s direction.

Specialty Records in New Orleans witnessed the recording of Tutti Frutti by Little Richard in 1955. This song, featuring an energetic piano, a captivating beat, and distinctive vocals, quickly gained popularity and successfully made its way onto pop charts. This significant event is often regarded as the beginning of the rock and roll era.

Little Richard‘s success continued in the mid-1950s as he produced one hit after another, such as Long Tall Sally, Good Golly Miss Molly, and Lucille. He solidified his status as a rock and roll pioneer with his dynamic performances on stage, which showcased acrobatic moves and extravagant outfits.

Little Richard made the surprising decision to leave rock and roll during the height of his success in 1957. He dedicated himself to gospel music, recording multiple albums and furthering his education by attending Bible college. Nevertheless, in the 1960s, he ultimately returned to his roots in rock and roll and continued to create music and entertain audiences for several decades, extending into the 2000s.

Social Media

Little Richard does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Little Richard first encountered his future and only wife, Ernestine Campbell, during an evangelical rally in October 1957. Their relationship progressed steadily from that point onward, as they started dating during the same year. 

Eventually, on the memorable date of July 12, 1959, Little Richard and Ernestine Campbell tied the knot in a joyful wedding ceremony held in California. As the years went by, Richard‘s family remained small and intimate, consisting solely of himself and his adopted son, Danny Jones Penniman.

Discography

• Here’s Little Richard (1957)
• Little Richard (1958)
• The Fabulous Little Richard (1958)
• Pray Along with Little Richard (1960)
• Pray Along with Little Richard (Vol 2) (1960)
• The King of the Gospel Singers (1962)
• Little Richard Is Back (And There’s A Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On!) (1964)
• Little Richard’s Greatest Hits (1965)
• The Incredible Little Richard Sings His Greatest Hits – Live! (1967, live)
• The Wild and Frantic Little Richard (1967, compilation)
• The Explosive Little Richard (1967)
• Little Richard’s Greatest Hits: Recorded Live! (1967, live)

Net Worth

Little Richard, known as the “Architect of Rock and Roll,” had an estimated net worth of $40 million before he passed away in 2020. This amount considers the value of his extensive music collection and publishing rights, which still generate revenue from royalties and licensing agreements.