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If rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Little Richard was still around today, we know he would be celebrating his 90th birthday with a bang. Richard’s dazzling spirit helped build the rock ‘n’ roll genre and develop it into what it is today. It’s nearly impossible to hear Richard’s hits like “Good Golly Miss Molly,” “Tutti Frutti,” or “Long Tall Sally” without needing to bust a move. Little Richard’s extravagant showmanship, powerful vocals, and significant songwriting have been so missed since he passed away in 2020.
To celebrate the birthday of the late rockstar, here are some fun facts you might not have known about Little Richard.
- He was born in Macon, Georgia and grew up with 11 siblings.
- Jimi Hendrix, Billy Preston, and James Brown are just a few musicians who played in his backing band.
- If Little Richard was double booked, James Brown occasionally impersonated Richard.
- Little Richard performed at Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1993.
- He has performed duets with Hank Williams Jr., Elton John, Solomon Burke, and Jon Bon Jovi.
- Richard was known to remove articles of clothing (such as a shoe, coat, or shirt) and toss them into the audience.
- Little Richard gave an impactful monologue in the film Down In and Out in Beverly Hills.
- He is known as one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll singers of all time.
To celebrate the 90th birthday of Little Richard, watch his performance of the classic Long Tall Sally in 1955 here:
