Rock ‘n’ Roll innovator and legend Little Richard has passed away at the age of 87.
Little Richard–whose real name is Richard Penniman, was born in 1932 and went on to influence major acts like the Beatles, who named the musician as a significant inspiration to their sound. Little Richard was known for his songs like his 1955 hit “Tutti-Frutti,” “Long Tall Sally,” and “Good Golly Miss Molly.” The Beatles went on to eventually re-record Richard’s “Long Tall Sally,” which was well-received worldwide. Little Richard was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and was also given a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in 1993.
A guitarist for Little Richard–Charles Glenn gave some insight into the musician’s condition, saying Richard was sick for the past two months. Little Richard reported passed away surrounded by his son, sister, and brother in his Tennessee home.