Legendary musician Little Richard passed away at the age of 87 on Saturday. His son, Danny Penniman, confirmed the artist's death with Rolling Stone. A cause of death was not given.
Richard was known for his classic hits "Tutti Frutti," "Good Golly Miss Molly," "Long Tall Sally" and "Lucille." As a young artist, Richard was known for having a flamboyant stage presence that often captivated audiences, growing his popularity and musical influence.
People took to Twitter to mourn his death and celebrate his legacy.
Some fans shared old interview clips of Little Richard.
Little Richard
The Greatest
The Architect
The Legend pic.twitter.com/ybiVSANvOq— Bizzy Bone’s Box Braids (@FeministaJones) May 9, 2020
Little Richard, the founding father of rock'n'roll, dies at age 87.#RIPLittleRichard
— Karine Jean-Pierre (@K_JeanPierre) May 9, 2020
"Rock n' Roll never left. It died with Black stars and lived with white artists … don't nobody own me, can't nobody claim me. I couldn't borrow nothing. They didn't help me. I made it through blood, sweat and guts." – Little Richard pic.twitter.com/6wFP7g64yB
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) May 9, 2020
Other fans remembered him for being the legend that he is and his contribution to rock 'n' roll.
RIP to the musical genius & rock n' roll pioneer Little Richard. pic.twitter.com/IYGZdbXjAh
— LandOfThe80s (@landofthe80s) May 9, 2020
LITTLE RICHARD IS ROCK AND ROLL.
— Count Rackula aka 2Cup Shakur aka Durt Cobain aka. (@MeechIsDEAD) May 9, 2020
RIP Little Richard, the father of rock & roll who gave it the standard rock beat that is used to date and the vocal stylings that would form the template for most rock songs made after him. His music, androgyny and performance style influenced nearly every future musician. pic.twitter.com/eNdPKiEmWB
— BONG'S JUNE HOE (@nisisdaughter) May 9, 2020
One fan pointed out his subtle shadiness.
Little Richard going to The Grammy Awards and reading the ENTIRE music industry for not crediting him for his musical and cultural contributions will forever be iconic.
RIP ???? pic.twitter.com/g0YZHxO1y4
— Milik Rodman (@MilikKashad) May 9, 2020
Some people reflected on everything the year 2020 has already taken from us, including influential music executive and Uptown Records founder Andre Harrell who passed away at 59, Variety reported.
Kobe.
André Harrell.
Little Richard.
The Covid-19 pandemic.2020 might go down as the worst year of our lifetime.
— Colb (@___Colb___) May 9, 2020
We lost two music legends in Little Richard and Andre Harrell within the last 24 hours. 2020 is the absolute worst
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) May 9, 2020
I can’t believe we lost two influential Black music legends today.
The genius mind behind Uptown Records, Andre Harrell and the TRUE King of Rock & Roll, Little Richard.
2020 needs to really stop. pic.twitter.com/xTipMyMIkC
— ???????????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????? ???????? ????????????????. (@tdnewyork97) May 9, 2020
It's been clear that 2020 is coming in with full vengeance as we continue to lose too many greats.
