“It was a way out of poverty. It was a way to success. It was a way to education. And it was a way to a brighter day for me.”
- Name: Richard Wayne Penniman
- Born: December 5th, 1932
- Died: May 9th, 2020
- From: Macon, Georgia, United States
- Occupation: Singer, Songwriter
- Known For: His influence of the Rock & Roll genre
- Awards:
- Lifetime Achievement Awards from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences
- Pioneer Awards from Rhythm and Blues Foundation
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Richard Penniman, better known as Little Richard, combined the sacred shouts of the black church and the profane sounds of the blues to create some of the world’s first and most influential rock ’n’ roll records. Little Richard exploded the Fifties music scene with his thunderous piano and electrifying stage presence, setting the tone for the future of rock and roll. His unrestrained performances and visceral rhythms were unlike anything audiences had ever seen. Little Richard helped define the early rock ‘n’ roll era of the 1950s with his driving, flamboyant sound. With his croons, wails and screams, he turned songs like “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally” into huge hits and influenced bands such as the Beatles.
Handout
To download the Handout:
- Click on the image
- Right-click and select Save Image As…
- Write a description on the line and decorate.
- Cut out and use for a selfie to share on our social media page.
- Download a card and envelope template and write about an idea this leader inspires.
- Check out more resources and ways to celebrate MLK can be found on these links as well as our official Day of Service opportunity to volunteer.
This ASI Special event is an ongoing volunteer-led project made by people like you, using multiple educational sources regularly being revised and updated. We would love your assistance if you or your group would like to get involved, learn more here.