Richard Wayne Penniman or better known as Little Richard (One of the most famous 50s singers ever) was born in Macon, Georgia on December 5, 1932. Richard was an American musician and songwriter. He sang professionally from 1947 to 2020(72 years). Richard died from bone cancer in 2020.
Before Fame
Richard Penniman was born in Macon, Georgia on December 5, 1932. He was the 3 child out of 12. His mother was Leva Mae (nee Stewart) and his father was Charles “bud” Penniman. His father was a deacon and a brick mason. He sold bootlegged moonshine on the side and he also had an inn called the Tip in inn. His mother was a member of the Hope Baptist Church. He was supposed to be named “Ricardo” but after his birth certificate was messed up he was named “Richard” instead. As a kid Richard had the name of “Lil’ Richard” by his family because he had a small and skinny frame. He was a very mischievous kid and very sneaky who would play pranks on his neighbors.
He began singing in his church at a very young age. As a result of birth complications, he was born with his left leg slightly shorter than his left. He was made fun of because of that. His family was quite religious. They joined A.M.E., Baptist, and Pentecostal churches. Some of his family members became ministers. He enjoyed Pentecostal the most because of the charismatic teachings and the live music. Later on he recalled that people in his neighborhood sang gospel music throughout the day during segregation to keep a positive outlook, because “there was so much poverty, so much prejudice in those days.” He saw that people sang “to feel their connection with God” and to wash away their trials and burdens away. Richard naturally had a very loud singing voice. He earned the nickname “War Hawk” because he sang so high pitched and loud. As a little kid he would go on to the front porch and bang on garbage cans, pots and pans singing as loud as he could.
He’s favorite type of music was gospel. He’s favorite singers were Brother Joe May, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Mahalia Jackson and Marion Williams. May (who was known as “the Thunderbolt of the Middle West” because of his vocal power and range) was Richards favorite above all and was his motivation.
