Celebrities call late music legend Little Richard an inspiration in tributes to his memory

Darcy SchildMay 10, 2020, 02:02 IST

Little Richard performing during the New Year's Eve Peach Drop Ceremony at Underground Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia on December 31, 2002Chris McKay / MediaPunch /IPX via AP

Little Richard has died at the age of 87 after battling bone cancer.
The music legend was born Richard Wayne Penniman and is remembered as a pioneer of rock and roll whose original style was revolutionary in the 1950s.
Stars across the entertainment community like Elton John, Brian Wilson, and Ava DuVernay have shared tributes to Little Richard.
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Little Richard died at the age of 87 on Saturday after battling bone cancer, the Associated Press reported.

The iconic musician is considered a pioneer of modern rock and roll, as his performance style and hit song "Tutti Frutti" were revolutionary for the 1950s. Little Richard, who was born Richard Wayne Penniman, went on to produce other tracks like "Good Golly Miss Molly," "Long Tall Sally," "Lucille," and "Keep A Knockin.'"

In honor of the music legend's life, many celebrities, including Mick Jagger, Ringo Starr, and Elton John, and prominent leaders like Michelle Obama took to social media to shared memories of Little Richard.

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Viola Davis also shared a message in remembrance of the rock and roll pioneer.

Bette Midler paid tribute to Little Richard, who she recalled meeting while filming the movie "Down and Out in Beverly Hills."

Michelle Obama wrote about Little Richard's "exuberance," "creativity," and "his refusal to be anything other than himself."

The family of Tom Petty also shared a message honoring the music legend, who officiated the wedding of Petty and Dana York.

Demi Moore shared a photo of her wedding to Bruce Willis in the '80s, where Little Richard was the officiant and is pictured.

Brian Wilson wrote that "Little Richard's music will last forever."

Ringo Starr shared an iconic photo of The Beetles with Little Richard.

Ava DuVernay recalled serving food to Little Richard while she waitressed at a restaurant in LA. She said that the musician would tip her a "crisp $100 bill each week on a $75 breakfast with his friends."

Carole King reminisced on the first time she saw Little Richard perform in 1957 in an excerpt from her memoir.

Mick Jagger wrote about how Little Richard also served as a major source of musical inspiration.

Elton John called Little Richard his most prominent musical, vocal, and visual influences.

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