MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As those around the world heard about Rock legend Little Richard’s death, many stars and music icons took to social media to pay their respects.
Little Richard passed away in his home in Tullahoma, Tennessee at the age of 87. His full name was Richard Wayne Penniman.
Long-time friend Jerry Lee Lewis remembered his friend by posting pictures on Facebook of the two of them over the years.
“He will live on always in my heart with his amazing talent and his friendship. He was one of a kind and I will miss him dearly.”
Gene Simmons of Kiss tweeted about meeting the architect of Rock and Roll saying that he was in awe of his presence.
“A founding father of Rock and Roll, his contributions simply can’t be overstated,” Simmons wrote.
Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin said his thoughts are with Penniman’s family and shared a memory of seeing him preform live. He tweeted it was Penniman’s song that pioneered Rock and Roll music.
Ringo Starr of the Beatles called Penniman one of his “all-time musical heroes.”
Krist Novoselić of Nirvana also shared a memory of Little Richard from the 1980s on Twitter. He called him a “giant” in Rock and Roll music.
Chance the Rapper wrote about how just a couple of weeks ago, he spent time learning about Little Richard’s legacy.
Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys tweeted Penniman will be missed and that his music will last forever.
“He was there at the beginning and showed us all how to rock and roll,” Wilson said.
Author Clint Smith reflected on the footprint Penniman had in the music industry.
“So many artists, voices and sounds that wouldn’t have existed without him,” Smith tweeted.
He said he is grateful for all he gave us.
Writer and director Ava DuVernay said she used to serve Penniman at a soul food restaurant in Los Angeles around 30 years ago.
“He tipped me a crisp $100 bill each week on a $75 breakfast with friends…Helped me so much. God rest his soul,” she tweeted.
Singer Cyndi Lauper shared a special memory of Penniman on Twitter and called him one of the truly great Rock and Roll singers and pioneers.
Director Edgar Wright tweeted about the longevity of Penniman’s sound.
“His sound never dated and had an energy rarely equaled,” Wright said.