Little Richard

Richard Wayne Penniman, known professionally as Little Richard, was an American singer, pianist, and songwriter. He was an influential figure in popular music and culture for seven decades. Richard's most celebrated work dates from the mid-1950s, when his charismatic showmanship and dynamic music laid the foundation for rock and roll. His innovative emotive vocalizations and uptempo rhythmic music played a key role in the formation of other popular music genres, including soul and funk. Little Richard's influence can be seen in singers and musicians across musical genres from rock to hip hop, and his music helped shape rhythm and blues for generations.