Little Richard, rock ‘n’ roll pioneer, dies at 87

Richard Wayne Penniman, American music legend better known as Little Richard, has passed away at 87.

According to TMZ, Charles Glenn, Richard’s bass guitarist, said the pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll breathed his last at his Tennessee home in the US, surrounded by his brother, sister and son.

Glenn added that his death comes after he had battled an undisclosed ailment for two months.

He went on to relieve his experience with the deceased, explaining that he was like a father to him during his lifetime.

“Not to take anything away from your dad, but you’re my son,” he recounted Richard telling him once.

He also revealed how Richard had invited him to his home on March 27, but had to shelve the plan due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Born on December 5, 1932, Richard is prominent for his contributions to the birth of rock ‘n’ roll with some christening him “The Innovator” of the music genre.

With about 30 million records to his name, the award-winning singer had an impressive stint on the global music landscape with strings of hit songs including ‘Tutti-Frutti’ and ‘Long Tall Sally’.

He was considered a major inspiration to several other music stars with The Beatles, Elton John and Elvis all citing him as an influence in their career.

Several people have since taken to social media to pay tribute to the late music legend with Kelvin Holly, his band member, expressing shock at the singer’s death.

“Rest in peace Richard. This one really stings. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of my bandmates and fans all over the world. Richard truly was the king!,” he wrote on Instagram.

His death comes hours after Roy Horn, member of ‘Siegfried and Roy’, passed away at 75 on Friday after suffering complications from COVID-19.