On Saturday, May 9th, “The Real King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Little Richard, passed away at age 87. While his cause of death was unknown, his career and the legacy he left behind has sparked an outpouring of tributes from those impacted by his passing.
Known for his infectious stage presence, piano skills, and iconic vocals, Little Richard began turning heads in the mid-’50s with his smash hit, “Tutti Frutti”. Subsequent hits like “Long Tall Sally”, “Rip It Up”, “Lucille”, “Good Golly Miss Molly”, and countless others solidified his place in rock ‘n’ roll history.
His illustrious, 35-year career not only impacted millions of fans across the globe but influenced a generation of music lovers and musicians. As news of his passing spread, artists from all walks of life spoke out about his impact, shared videos of their collaborations, and posted tributes to the rock ‘n’ roll legend. Everyone from Tom Morello to Joan Jett, Michelle Obama to Jon Bon Jovi, Jimmy Page to Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger to Questlove, and even “The Rocket Man” himself, Elton John, all took to the internet to pay homage to Little Richard.
Below are just some of the countless artists and public figures that shared their thoughts on his passing.
I just heard the news about Little Richard and I’m so grieved. He was my shining star and guiding light back when I was only a little boy. His was the original spirit that moved me to do everything I would do.
— Bob Dylan (@bobdylan) May 9, 2020
In his presence he was always the same Little Richard that I first heard and was awed by growing up and I always was the same little boy. Of course he’ll live forever. But it’s like a part of your life is gone.
— Bob Dylan (@bobdylan) May 9, 2020
Bob Dylan Thanks Little Richard During Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame Induction Speech
[Video: Jefferson Davis]
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) May 9, 2020
Little Richard – “I Can’t Turn You Loose” – Rolling Stones Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
[Video: Tim Walter]
Without a doubt – musically, vocally and visually – he was my biggest influence. Seeing him live in my teens was the most exciting event in my life at that point. Goosebumps, electricity and joy came from every pore. pic.twitter.com/Enno1mgfTO
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) May 9, 2020
The track we recorded “The Power” is a favourite in my catalogue. We also played live at the Beverly Hilton and I felt like I’d died and gone to heaven.
He influenced so many and is irreplaceable. A true legend, icon and a force of nature. #RIP Little Richard
Love, Elton x— Elton John (@eltonofficial) May 9, 2020
RIP Little Richard, a very sad loss. My thoughts are with his loved ones.
It’s Little Richard’s songs that pioneered rock’n’roll. I got to hear him and his band at the Newport Lounge in Miami and boy were they good. pic.twitter.com/JXgahhJAfk— Jimmy Page (@JimmyPage) May 9, 2020
I was once asked, “If u could meet one person, who would it be?” I always said Little Richard. Because, to me, he was rock & roll’s most joyous, rebellious innovator.
Thank u for planting that seed, Richard. The world is a much happier place thanks to ur music.#RIPLittleRichard pic.twitter.com/kiq2VOZs8O— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) May 9, 2020
With his exuberance, his creativity, and his refusal to be anything other than himself, Little Richard laid the foundation for generations of artists to follow. We are so lucky to have had him. Sending all my love to his family and friends today.
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) May 9, 2020
A couple weeks ago I randomly decided to read up on the legendary Little Richard on wiki. I learned then about how he developed The Beatles and saved The Rolling Stones pic.twitter.com/lUEvYG1Mew
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) May 9, 2020
Little Richard was one of the original rock ‘n’ rollers– He was THE ORIGINAL GLAM ROCKER, and he took a lot of abuse for being in the first wave. He forged a path for all of us who followed. pic.twitter.com/LKTxaPa2S2
— Joan Jett (@joanjett) May 9, 2020
Little Richard had quite a few great Muscle Shoals musicians in his band for a long time. Those guys were my heroes, and I felt so proud when I saw Richard in concert with my friends backing him up. The father and true king of rock and roll, if you ask me.
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) May 9, 2020
I reached out to the legends legend
Little Richard……he accepted.When he arrived in the studio, he made all of us feel like little kids. He played, he sang, he laughed and told us stories.
— Jon Bon Jovi (@jonbonjovi) May 9, 2020
Little Richard was a performer so riveting, so extraordinary, that #JimiHendrix was his sideman and #JamesBrown his opening act. THANKYOU for everything. THANKYOU for rock n roll. https://t.co/9AiUcBaOhk
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) May 9, 2020
Low Cut Connie – Little Richard Tribue Show
[Video: Low Cut Connie]