Editing Little Richard (section)

== Legacy ==
===Music===
{{quote box
| width = 25em
| quote = He claims to be "the architect of rock and roll", and history would seem to bear out Little Richard's boast. More than any other performer—save, perhaps, [[Elvis Presley]], Little Richard blew the lid off the Fifties, laying the foundation for rock and roll with his explosive music and charismatic persona. On record, he made spine-tingling rock and roll. His frantically charged piano playing and raspy, shouted vocals on such classics as "[[Tutti Frutti (song)|Tutti Frutti]]", "[[Long Tall Sally]]" and "[[Good Golly, Miss Molly]]" defined the dynamic sound of rock and roll.
| source = —[[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]]<ref name="HallofFame1986"/>
}}Richard's music and performance style had a pivotal effect on the sound and style of popular 20th century music genres.<ref name="Britannica" /><ref name=Allmusic2013b/>{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=27-28}} Richard embodied the rock and roll spirit more flamboyantly than any other performer.{{sfn|Campbell|2011|p=180}} Richard's raspy shouting style gave the genre one of its most identifiable and influential vocal sounds and his fusion of [[boogie-woogie]], New Orleans R&B and gospel music blazed its rhythmic trail.{{sfn|Campbell|2011|p=180}}{{sfn|Campbell|2008|pp=168–169}} Richard's emotive vocalizations and uptempo rhythmic music drove the formation of other popular music genres, including [[Soul music|soul]] and [[funk]].{{sfn|Erlewine|Harris|2020|loc=[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/little-richard-20-essential-songs-15792/tutti-frutti-1955-209077/ "Tutti-Frutti" (1955)]}} He influenced singers and musicians across musical genres from rock to [[hip hop]]; his music helped shape [[rhythm and blues]] for generations.{{sfn|Erlewine|Harris|2020}}<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Browne|first1=David|date=May 9, 2020|title=Little Richard, Founding Father of Rock Who Broke Musical Barriers, Dead at 87|magazine=Rolling Stone|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/little-richard-founding-father-rock-133000796.html|access-date=May 9, 2020|archive-date=May 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509154647/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/little-richard-founding-father-rock-133000796.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=McArdle|first1=Terence|date=May 9, 2020|title=Little Richard, flamboyant star of early rock-and-roll, dies at 87|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/little-richard-incendiary-spirit-of-early-rock-and-roll-dies-at-87/2020/05/09/4c0b038a-9201-11ea-a0bc-4e9ad4866d21_story.html|access-date=May 9, 2020|archive-date=May 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509203345/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/little-richard-incendiary-spirit-of-early-rock-and-roll-dies-at-87/2020/05/09/4c0b038a-9201-11ea-a0bc-4e9ad4866d21_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Richard introduced several of rock music's most characteristic musical features, including its high volume, vocal style emphasizing power, its distinctive [[Beat (music)|beat]], and innovative visceral [[rhythm]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/little-richard|title=Little Richard &#124; Rock & Roll Hall of Fame|access-date=June 29, 2019|archive-date=August 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814070256/https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/little-richard|url-status=live}}</ref> He departed from boogie-woogie's [[shuffle rhythm]] and introduced a distinctive rock beat, where the beat division is even at all [[tempo]]s. He reinforced this rhythm with a two-handed piano style, playing patterns with his right hand, with the rhythm typically popping out in the piano's high [[Register (music)|register]]. His rhythm pattern, which he introduced with "[[Tutti Frutti (song)|Tutti Frutti]]" (1955), became the basis for the standard rock beat, which was later consolidated by [[Chuck Berry]].{{sfn|Campbell|Brody|2007|p=115}} "[[Lucille (Little Richard song)|Lucille]]" (1957) foreshadowed the rhythmic feel of 1960s [[classic rock]] in several ways, including its heavy [[bassline]], slower tempo, strong rock beat played by the entire band, and [[verse–chorus form]] similar to the blues.{{sfn|Campbell|Brody|2007|p=117}}[[File:Little Richard.jpg|alt=A worm's eye view of Little Richard in a sequined shirt with his arms raised, smiling|thumb|Little Richard in concert]]

Richard's voice was able to generate croons, wails, and screams unprecedented in popular music.<ref name="Britannica" /> He was cited by two of soul music's pioneers, [[Otis Redding]] and [[Sam Cooke]], as contributing to the genre's early development. Redding stated that most of his music was patterned after Richard's, referring to his 1953 recording "Directly From My Heart To You" as the personification of soul, and that he had "done a lot for [him] and [his] soul brothers in the music business."{{sfn|White|2003|p=231}} Cooke said in 1962 that Richard had done "so much for our music".{{sfn|White|2003|p=228}} Cooke had a top 40 hit in 1963 with his cover of Richard's 1956 hit "Send Me Some Loving".<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/277951/sam-cooke/chart |title=Sam Cooke – Chart history |magazine=Billboard |access-date=January 17, 2017}}</ref>

[[James Brown]] and others credited Richard and his mid-1950s backing band, The Upsetters, as the first to put funk in the rock beat.<ref name="HallofFame1986" />{{sfn|Palmer|2011|p=139}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/top-10-greatest-little-richard-songs/ |title=Top 10 Greatest Little Richard Songs Of All Time - Vote Now! uDiscover |website=Udiscovermusic.com |date=October 24, 2017 |access-date=April 22, 2020 |archive-date=May 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509212755/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/top-10-greatest-little-richard-songs/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Erlewine|Harris|2020|loc=[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/little-richard-20-essential-songs-15792/freedom-blues-1970-207794/ "Freedom Blues" (1970)]|ps=. "His influence is incalculable. The Beatles learned their ecstatic falsetto shouts from him; James Brown said he was "the first to put the funk in rhythm." In his yearbook, Bob Dylan listed that his ambition was "to join Little Richard," and nine-year-old David Bowie bought a saxophone hoping to do that as well."}}

Richard's hits of the mid-1950s, such as "Tutti Frutti", "Long Tall Sally", "Keep A-Knockin'" and "Good Golly, Miss Molly", were generally characterized by playful lyrics with sexually suggestive connotations.<ref name="Britannica" /> [[AllMusic]] writer Richie Unterberger stated that Little Richard "merged the fire of gospel with New Orleans R&B, pounding the piano and wailing with gleeful abandon", and that while "other R&B greats of the early 1950s had been moving in a similar direction, none of them matched the sheer electricity of Richard's vocals. With his high-speed deliveries, ecstatic trills, and the overjoyed force of personality in his singing, he was crucial in upping the voltage from high-powered R&B into the similar, yet different, guise of rock and roll."<ref name=Allmusic2013b/>

Emphasizing Richard's folk influences, English professor W. T. Lhamon Jr. wrote, "His songs were literally good booty. They were the repressed stuff of underground lore. And in Little Richard they found a vehicle prepared to bear their chocked energy, at least for his capsulated moment."<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Lhamon|first=W.T.|year=1985|title=Little Richard as a Folk Performer|journal=Studies in Popular Culture|volume=8|issue=2|pages=7–17|issn=0888-5753|jstor=23412946}}</ref>

[[Ray Charles]] introduced him at a concert in 1988 as "a man that started a kind of music that set the pace for a lot of what's happening today."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdM4gSzb_ug | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/ZdM4gSzb_ug| archive-date=October 28, 2021|title=Little Richard – Great Gosh A'mighty|publisher=Eagle Rock|date=August 29, 2008|access-date=August 10, 2009|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Richard's contemporaries, including [[Elvis Presley]], [[Buddy Holly]], [[Bill Haley]], [[Jerry Lee Lewis]], [[Pat Boone]], [[the Everly Brothers]], [[Gene Vincent]] and [[Eddie Cochran]], all recorded covers of his works.{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=27}} As they wrote about him for their Man of the Year – Legend category in 2010, [[GQ|''GQ'' magazine]] stated that Richard "is, without question, the boldest and most influential of the founding fathers of rock'n'roll."{{sfn|Chalmers|2012}}

===Society===
In addition to his musical style, Richard was cited as one of the first black [[crossover (music)|crossover]] artists, reaching audiences of all races. His music and concerts broke the color line,<ref name="nmaam1">{{Cite web|url=http://nmaam.org/events/celebration-of-legends/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518151622/http://nmaam.org/events/celebration-of-legends/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 18, 2015|title=My Music Matters: A Celebration of Legends Luncheon|publisher=National Museum of African American Music|date=June 19, 2015|access-date=November 2, 2017}}</ref> drawing mixed black and white audiences. As H.B. Barnum explained in ''Quasar of Rock'', Little Richard "opened the door. He brought the races together."{{sfn|White|2003|p=69}} Barnum described Richard's music as not being "boy-meets-girl-girl-meets-boy things, they were ''fun'' records, all fun. And they had a lot to say sociologically in our country and the world."{{sfn|White|2003|p=70}} Barnum also stated that Richard's "charisma was a whole new thing to the music business", explaining that "he would burst onto the stage from anywhere, and you wouldn't be able to hear anything but the roar of the audience. He might come out and walk on the piano. He might go out into the audience." Barnum stated that Richard was innovative in that he would wear colorful capes, blouse shirts, makeup and suits studded with multi-colored stones and sequins, and that he also brought flickering stage lighting from his show business experience into performance venues where rock and roll artists performed.{{sfn|White|2003|pp=68–70}} In 2015, the National Museum of African American Music honored Richard for helping to shatter the color line on the music charts changing American culture forever.<ref name="tennessean1"/><ref name="nmaam1"/>

[[Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister]] of the heavy metal band [[Motörhead]] spoke highly of him, stating: "Little Richard was always my main man. How hard must it have been for him: gay, black and singing in the South? But his records are a joyous good time from beginning to end."<ref>{{Cite magazine|first=Sylvie|last=Simmons|author-link=Sylvie Simmons|title=Last night a record changed my life|magazine=[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]]|issue=129|date=August 2004|page=30}}</ref>

===Influence===
[[File:Little Richard 1984.jpg|thumb|right|Little Richard in 1984]]
Richard influenced generations of performers.<ref name="WallStreet" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Anita |date=April 22, 2023 |title=Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, review: celebrating a man who dared to be different |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2023/04/22/little-richard-bbc2-review/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |issn=0307-1235 |archive-date=April 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423000230/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2023/04/22/little-richard-bbc2-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Quincy Jones]] stated that Richard was "an innovator whose influence spans America's musical diaspora from Gospel, the Blues & R&B, to Rock & Roll, & Hip-Hop."<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://apnews.com/article/3e535bbdff090686318fb0bbecfdfff4| title=Jagger, Dylan, Quincy Jones react to death of Little Richard| work=[[Associated Press News]] |date=May 9, 2020| access-date=October 29, 2020| archive-date=February 5, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205030623/https://apnews.com/article/3e535bbdff090686318fb0bbecfdfff4| url-status=live}}</ref> [[James Brown]] and [[Otis Redding]] both idolized him.{{sfn|White|2003|p=231}}<ref>[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-singers-of-all-time-19691231/little-richard-20101202 100 Greatest Singers: 12 – Little Richard] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821095514/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-singers-of-all-time-19691231/little-richard-20101202 |date=August 21, 2017 }}, ''Rolling Stone''.</ref> Brown allegedly came up with the [[Famous Flames]] debut hit, "[[Please, Please, Please (James Brown song)|Please, Please, Please]]", after Richard had written the words on a napkin.{{sfn|Merlis|2002|loc=foreword}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.macon.com/2014/07/26/3218915/midstate-residents-who-knew-godfather.html |title=Midstate residents who knew James Brown hope new movie gets it right|work=[[The Telegraph (Macon)|The Telegraph]]|date=July 26, 2014|access-date=August 17, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727182150/http://www.macon.com/2014/07/26/3218915/midstate-residents-who-knew-godfather.html|archive-date=July 27, 2014}}</ref> Redding started his professional career with Richard's band, The Upsetters.{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=398}} and first entered a talent show performing Richard's "Heeby Jeebies", winning for fifteen consecutive weeks.{{sfn|Guralnick|1999|pp=164–166}} Ike Turner claimed most of [[Tina Turner]]'s early vocal delivery was based on Richard, something Richard reiterated in the introduction of Turner's autobiography, ''[[Takin' Back My Name]]''.{{sfn|Collis|2003|loc=foreword}} Richard influenced [[Ritchie Valens]]; before he broke out, Valens was known as the "Little Richard of [[San Fernando, California|San Fernando]]". [[Bob Dylan]] performed covers of Richard's songs in high school with his rock and roll group, the Golden Chords; in his high school yearbook,  under "Ambition", he wrote: "to join Little Richard".{{sfn|Shelton|2003|p=39}}

[[The Beatles]] were heavily influenced by Richard. [[Paul McCartney]] idolized him in school and later used his recordings as inspiration for his uptempo rockers, such as "[[I'm Down]]".<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Mulhern |first=Tom|title=Paul McCartney|date=July 1990|magazine=Guitar Player |volume=24|number=7|page=33}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|first1=Barry|last1=Miles|title=Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now|publisher=[[Palgrave Macmillan]] |location=Basingstoke, England|date=1998|isbn=978-0805052497 |page=[https://archive.org/details/paulmccartneyman00mile/page/24 24] |url=https://archive.org/details/paulmccartneyman00mile}}</ref> "Long Tall Sally" was the first song McCartney performed in public.{{sfn|Harry|2002|p=509}} McCartney later stated, "I could do Little Richard's voice, which is a wild, hoarse, screaming thing. It's like an out-of-body experience. You have to leave your current sensibilities and go about a foot above your head to sing it."<ref>{{Cite web|first=Aaron|last=Krerowicz|url=http://www.aaronkrerowicz.com/beatles-blog/the-influence-of-little-richard-on-the-beatles|title=The Influence of Little Richard on the Beatles|website=aronkrerowicz.com|date=March 14, 2014|access-date=January 17, 2017|archive-date=March 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305104939/http://www.aaronkrerowicz.com/beatles-blog/the-influence-of-little-richard-on-the-beatles|url-status=live}}</ref> [[John Lennon]] recalled that upon hearing "Long Tall Sally" in 1956, he was so impressed that he "couldn't speak".{{sfn|White|2003|p=227}} During the Beatles' Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, [[George Harrison]] commented, "thank you all very much, especially the rock 'n' rollers, an' Little Richard there, if it wasn't for [gesturing to Little Richard], it was all his fault, really."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO-HK_csGwk | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/NO-HK_csGwk| archive-date=October 28, 2021|title=Beatles accept award Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions 1988|publisher=Rock & Roll Hall of Fame|date=January 28, 2010|access-date=December 31, 2012 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>  [[Mick Jagger]] and [[Keith Richards]] of [[the Rolling Stones]] were also profoundly influenced by him, with Jagger citing him as his introduction to R&B and calling him "the originator and my first idol".{{sfn|White|2003|p=119}} Richard was the first rock n roll influence on [[Rod Stewart]] and [[Peter Wolf]].{{sfn|Ewbank|2005|p=7: "He also had an impact on the young [[Rod Stewart]]: 'I remember trying to sound like Little Richard'"}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqKG14mfL7U| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/BqKG14mfL7U| archive-date=October 28, 2021|title=Peter Wolf - Interview Part 1 - 11/4/1984 - Rock Influence (Official)| date=September 25, 2014|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Others influenced by Richard early on included [[Bob Seger]] and [[John Fogerty]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bob Seger: Influences|url=http://www.segerfile.com/influences.html|access-date=December 20, 2012|archive-date=November 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117071355/http://www.segerfile.com/influences.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.americansongwriter.com/2013/05/john-fogerty-the-extended-interview-2/|title=John Fogerty: The Extended Interview|website=American Songwriter|first=Lynne|last=Margolis|date=May 28, 2013|access-date=August 12, 2013|archive-date=September 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904180139/http://www.americansongwriter.com/2013/05/john-fogerty-the-extended-interview-2/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Michael Jackson]] admitted that Richard had been a huge influence on him prior to the release of ''[[Off the Wall]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Herron |first=Martin |url=http://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/local/michael-jackson-saved-my-life-1-1454384 |title=Michael Jackson saved my life |work=Scarborough Evening News |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date=August 10, 2009 |archive-date=October 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012212439/http://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/local/michael-jackson-saved-my-life-1-1454384 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Jimi Hendrix]] was influenced in appearance and sound by Richard. He was quoted in 1966 saying, "I want to do with my guitar what Little Richard does with his voice."{{sfn|Murray|1989|p=39}}

[[Hard rock]] and  [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] bands have cited Richard as an influence. [[John Kay (musician)|John Kay]] of [[Steppenwolf (band)|Steppenwolf]] recalls hearing "Tutti Frutti" on a U.S. Armed Forces station in [[East Prussia]] in the mid-1950s: "it was unlike anything I ever heard before and it was instant 'chicken skin time' - I mean goosebumps from head to toe. From that time on my focus was to hear as much of that stuff as possible, and after a while it became a kind of adolescent dream that someday [I] would be on the other side of the ocean, would learn how to speak English, and this music is something that I would play."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYx0nImPUNs| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/rYx0nImPUNs| archive-date=October 28, 2021|title=John Kay doc pt1| date=May 9, 2018|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://windsorstar.com/entertainment/smoke-lightning-and-heavy-metal-thunder-john-kay-and-steppenwolf-ride-into-windsor|title=Smoke, lightning and heavy metal thunder: John Kay and Steppenwolf ride into Windsor|website=windsorstar|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=December 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218103223/https://windsorstar.com/entertainment/smoke-lightning-and-heavy-metal-thunder-john-kay-and-steppenwolf-ride-into-windsor|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Robert Plant]] of [[Led Zeppelin]] recalls: "I was a 13-year-old boy in Kidderminster when I heard Little Richard for the first time. My parents shielded me from anything that was worldly. I spent my time searching feverishly through my stamp collection or working on my Meccano, and then someone played me 'Good Golly, Miss Molly'. The sound! It was fantastic, indescribable."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://societyofrock.com/the-facts-in-the-early-life-of-robert-plant/ |title=The Facts In The Early Life Of Robert Plant |website=Society of Rock |date=February 26, 2020 |access-date=August 1, 2020 |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919095457/https://societyofrock.com/the-facts-in-the-early-life-of-robert-plant/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Jon Lord]] of [[Deep Purple]] said "There would have been no Deep Purple if there had been no Little Richard."{{sfn|White|2003|p=230: [[Jon Lord]] – "There would have been no Deep Purple if there had been no Little Richard"}} [[AC/DC]]'s early lead vocalist and co-songwriter [[Bon Scott]] idolized Richard and aspired to sing like him, its lead guitarist and co-songwriter [[Angus Young]] was first inspired to play guitar after listening to Richard, and rhythm guitarist and co-writer [[Malcolm Young]] derived his signature sound from playing his guitar like Richard's piano.{{sfn|Jake|2013|p=37}} [[Motörhead]] was heavily influenced by Richard; [[Lemmy Kilmister]] said Richard should be "Golden God".<ref name=goldengod>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rnZriMDlx4| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/9rnZriMDlx4| archive-date=October 28, 2021|title=Motorhead's Lemmy Says Little Richard Should Be Golden God |via=YouTube |publisher=ArtisanNewsService|date=May 6, 2009|access-date=March 26, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Richard was an influence on [[glam rock]]. [[David Bowie]] called Richard his "inspiration", recalling that upon hearing "Tutti Frutti" he "heard God".{{sfn|White|2003|p=228: "After hearing Little Richard on record, I bought a saxophone and came into the music business. Little Richard was my inspiration"}}{{sfn|Doggett|2007}}
After opening for him with his band [[Bluesology]], [[Elton John]] was inspired to be a "rock and roll piano player".{{sfn|Blackwell|2004|p=65: "when I saw Little Richard standing on top of the piano, all the stage lights, sequins and energy, I decided then and there that I wanted to be a rock and roll piano player"}} [[Lou Reed]] referred to Richard as his "rock and roll hero", deriving inspiration from "the soulful, primal force" of the sound Richard and his saxophonist made on "Long Tall Sally". Reed later stated, "I don't know why and I don't care, but I wanted to go to wherever that sound was and make a life."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mojo4music.com/9539/lou-reeds-love-letter-little-richard/|title=Little Richard: Lou Reed's Rock'n'roll Hero|work=[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]]|date=November 26, 2013|last=Male|first=Andrew|access-date=February 10, 2014|archive-date=February 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140211135202/http://www.mojo4music.com/9539/lou-reeds-love-letter-little-richard/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Freddie Mercury]] performed covers of Richard's songs as a teen, before finding fame with [[Queen (band)|Queen]].{{sfn|Hodkinson|2004|p=61}}

The sexuality of Richard's persona has been influential. Rock critics noted similarities between [[Prince (musician)|Prince]]'s androgynous look, music and vocal style and Richard's.<ref name=floridian>{{Cite web |title=Floridian: Prince and the evolution |url=http://www.sptimes.com/2004/04/29/Floridian/Prince_and_the_evolut.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040714090149/http://www.sptimes.com/2004/04/29/Floridian/Prince_and_the_evolut.shtml |url-status=dead|archive-date=July 14, 2004 |work=St Petersburg Times |access-date=March 26, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Hudak |first=Joseph |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-singers-of-all-time-19691231/little-richard-20101202 |title=Little Richard – 100 Greatest Singers |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=December 3, 2010|access-date=August 17, 2015}}</ref>{{sfn|White|2003|pp=125–126}} [[Patti Smith]] said, "To me, Little Richard was a person that was able to focus a certain physical, anarchistic, and spiritual energy into a form which we call rock 'n' roll&nbsp;... I understood it as something that had to do with my future. When I was a little girl, Santa Claus didn't turn me on. Easter Bunny didn't turn me on. God turned me on. Little Richard turned me on."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thenewinquiry.tumblr.com/post/246669226/santa-claus-didnt-turn-me-on-the-easter-bunny|title=The New Inquiry|access-date=October 7, 2013|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203051802/http://thenewinquiry.tumblr.com/post/246669226/santa-claus-didnt-turn-me-on-the-easter-bunny|url-status=live}}</ref>

Richard's influence continues. [[Mystikal]] and [[André 3000|André "3000" Benjamin]] were cited by critics as having emulated Richard's style in their own works. Mystikal's vocal delivery was compared to Richard's.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/03/arts/music-rappers-who-definitely-know-how-to-rock.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |work=[[The New York Times]] |first=Kelefa |last=Sanneh |title=Rappers Who Definitely Know How to Rock |date=December 3, 2000 |access-date=February 19, 2017 |archive-date=August 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806023543/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/03/arts/music-rappers-who-definitely-know-how-to-rock.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |url-status=live }}</ref> André 3000's vocals in [[Outkast]]'s hit "[[Hey Ya!]]" were compared to an "[[indie rock]] Little Richard".<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/speakerboxxx-the-love-below-20030924|title=Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|author=Caramanica, Jon|date=September 24, 2003|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=December 31, 2012|archive-date=November 4, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071104110619/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/outkast/albums/album/290754/review/6068251/speakerboxxxthe_love_below|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Bruno Mars]] declared that Richard was one of his and his performer-father's early influences.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/12/12/99-reasons-why-bruno-mars-is-todays-best-pop-star/ |title=Bruno Mars: 99 reasons why he's the biggest pop star in the world |work=National Post |date=December 12, 2012|access-date=August 17, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://etcanada.com/news/757851/bruno-mars-honours-little-richard-in-high-energy-musical-tribute-at-2021-grammys/|title=Bruno Mars Honours Little Richard In High Energy Musical Tribute At 2021 Grammys|first=Jennifer|last=Drysdale|website=ETOnline.com|date=March 14, 2021|access-date=March 15, 2021|archive-date=March 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315065935/https://etcanada.com/news/757851/bruno-mars-honours-little-richard-in-high-energy-musical-tribute-at-2021-grammys/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.etonline.com/bruno-mars-honors-little-richard-in-high-energy-musical-tribute-at-2021-grammys-161740|title=Bruno Mars Honors Little Richard in Musical Tribute at 2021 GRAMMYs &#124; Entertainment Tonight|website=Entertainment Tonight|date=March 14, 2021|access-date=March 16, 2021|archive-date=March 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315185306/https://www.etonline.com/bruno-mars-honors-little-richard-in-high-energy-musical-tribute-at-2021-grammys-161740|url-status=live}}</ref> Mars' song "Runaway Baby" was cited by ''[[The New York Times]]'' as "channeling Little Richard".<ref>{{Cite news|title=Critic's Notebook: Bruno Mars in Ascension|date=October 6, 2010|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/06/arts/music/06mars.html|access-date=January 4, 2013|archive-date=January 17, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220117152459/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/06/arts/music/06mars.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chris Cornell]] of [[Audioslave]] and [[Soundgarden]] traced his musical influences back to Richard via the Beatles.<ref name="npr.org">{{Cite news|title=Grunge Pioneer Chris Cornell Tries Neo Soul|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101602261|publisher=NPR|access-date=April 5, 2018|archive-date=April 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410134728/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101602261|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Tribute in film ====
On September 4, 2023, the [[Rolling Stone]]-produced documentary ''Little Richard: I Am Everything'' premiered following its breakout premier at the [[2023 Sundance Film Festival|2023]] [[Sundance Film Festival]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Program Guide {{!}} Sundance Film Festival |url=https://festival.sundance.org/program/film/638a15d8d406b270f3f2c5d1 |access-date=September 5, 2023 |website=festival.sundance.org}}</ref> The documentary received a Grammy nomination for Best Music Film in 2024.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Kreps |first1=Daniel |title='Little Richard: I Am Everything' Up for Best Music Film Grammy, First-Ever Nomination for Music Legend |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/little-richard-i-am-everything-up-best-music-film-grammys-2024-nomination-1234875248/ |access-date=February 27, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=November 10, 2023}}</ref>

The late singer's complexities and contributions are explored throughout the film. It digs into the Influence of early blues queens such as [[Ma Rainey]] and early rhythm and blues artists. It portrays his influence and mentoring of artists James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, and later pop artists whose performances are interpreted as risqué or provocative from [[Lady Gaga]] to [[Lil Nas X]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Joyaux |first=Daniel |title=His Presence Looms Large: Lisa Cortés on Little Richard: I Am Everything {{!}} Interviews {{!}} Roger Ebert |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/interviews/lisa-cortes-interview |access-date=September 5, 2023 |website=www.rogerebert.com/ |date=September 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

Notable scholars featured include [[Nelson George]], Jason King, and Fredara Hadley.

===Honors===
[[File:Little Richard 1988.jpg|thumb|right|Little Richard, interviewed during the 60th Annual Academy Awards, 1988]]
In the early 1990s, a portion of Mercer University Drive in Macon was renamed "Little Richard Penniman Boulevard".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Little Richard Penniman Boulevard |url=https://www.maconmusictrail.com/little-richard-penniman-boulevard/ |website=MaconMusicTrail.com |publisher=Visit Macon |access-date=July 21, 2020 |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803030217/https://www.maconmusictrail.com/little-richard-penniman-boulevard/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Just south of the renamed boulevard sits Little Richard Penniman Park.

In 2007, a panel of renowned recording artists voted "Tutti Frutti" number one on ''[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]]''{{'}}s ''The Top 100 Records That Changed The World'', hailing the recording as "the sound of the birth of [[rock and roll]]".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rocklist.net ... Mojo Lists|url=http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/mojo.html|access-date=March 4, 2012|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629001637/http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/mojo.html%23100%20Greatest|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref name="Contactmusic.com">{{Cite magazine|date=May 16, 2007|title=Little Richard - Tutti Frutti Tops World-Changing Hit List |magazine=Contactmusic.com |url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/tutti%20frutti%20tops%20world-changing%20hit%20list_1031090|access-date=August 10, 2009}}</ref> In April 2012, ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine declared that the song "still has the most inspired rock lyric on record".<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/heres-little-richard-little-richard-19691231 |title=500 Greatest Albums: Here's Little Richard  |magazine=Rolling Stone  |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408135202/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/heres-little-richard-little-richard-19691231 |archive-date=April 8, 2012}}</ref> The same recording was inducted to the [[Library of Congress]]' [[National Recording Registry]] in 2010, with the library claiming the "unique vocalizing over the irresistible beat announced a new era in music".<ref>{{Cite web|author=National Recording Preservation Board|title=The Full National Recording Registry |year=2009 |publisher=Library of Congress |url=https://www.loc.gov/rr/record/nrpb/registry/nrpb-masterlist.html |access-date=December 29, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108224101/https://www.loc.gov/rr/record/nrpb/registry/nrpb-masterlist.html |archive-date=November 8, 2012}}</ref>

In 2010, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine listed ''Here's Little Richard'' as one of the 100 Greatest and Most Influential Albums of All Time.<ref name="entertainment.time.com" /> ''Rolling Stone'' listed his ''[[Here's Little Richard]]'' at number fifty on the magazine's list of [[the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-156826/little-richard-heres-little-richard-165415/|title=500 Greatest Albums of All Time: Here's Little Richard|date=May 31, 2012|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=September 6, 2019}}</ref> He was ranked eighth on its [[Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time|list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/100-greatest-artists-147446/little-richard-30098/|title=100 Greatest Artists: Little Richard|date=December 3, 2010|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=September 6, 2019}}</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' listed three of Richard's recordings, "The Girl Can't Help It", "Long Tall Sally" and "Tutti Frutti", on their [[500 Greatest Songs of All Time]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/500-greatest-songs-of-all-time-151127/|title=500 Greatest Songs of All Time|date=April 7, 2011|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=September 6, 2019}}</ref> Two of the latter songs and "Good Golly, Miss Molly" were listed on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's [[500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://rockhall.com/exhibits/one-hit-wonders-songs-that-shaped-rock-and-roll/|title=Experience The Music: One Hit Wonders and The Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll|year=2007|publisher=The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame|access-date=December 17, 2012|archive-date=May 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509180015/http://rockhall.com/exhibits/one-hit-wonders-songs-that-shaped-rock-and-roll/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

A 2010 UK issue of ''[[GQ]]'' named Richard its Man of the Year in its Legend category.{{sfn|Chalmers|2012}}

Richard appeared in person to receive an honorary degree from [[Mercer University]] in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.13wmaz.com/rss/article/232317/153/Little-Richard-Bestowed-Honorary-Degree-at-Mercer-Univ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130812175745/http://www.13wmaz.com/rss/article/232317/153/Little-Richard-Bestowed-Honorary-Degree-at-Mercer-Univ |url-status=dead|archive-date=August 12, 2013 |title=Little Richard Bestowed Honorary Degree at Mercer University |publisher=WMAZ.com |date=May 11, 2013 |access-date=May 11, 2013 }}</ref> The day before the award ceremony, the mayor of Macon announced that one of Richard's childhood homes, an historic site, would be moved to a rejuvenated section of Pleasant Hill to be restored and named the Little Richard Penniman—Pleasant Hill Resource House. It would serve as a meeting place full of local history and artifacts.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/little-richards-boyhood-home-be-moved|title=Little Richard's boyhood home to be moved|agency=Associated Press|date=May 11, 2013|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=December 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214220944/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/little-richards-boyhood-home-be-moved|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.macon.com/2013/05/10/2474205/state-buys-little-richards-house.html|title=State to buy Little Richard's house|work=[[The Telegraph (Macon)|The Telegraph]]|date=May 10, 2013|access-date=May 13, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621192849/http://www.macon.com/2013/05/10/2474205/state-buys-little-richards-house.html|archive-date=June 21, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=292519|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130812175730/http://www.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=292519|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 12, 2013|title=Good golly: DOT will relocate Little Richard's boyhood home|publisher=11alive.com|date=May 13, 2013|access-date=May 28, 2013}}</ref>

On March 14, 2021, Bruno Mars with [[Anderson .Paak]] honored Richard at the 2021 Grammy Award ceremony. The performance was reported in the media to be the highlight of the show.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.etonline.com/bruno-mars-honors-little-richard-in-high-energy-musical-tribute-at-2021-grammys-161740|title=Bruno Mars Honors Little Richard in Musical Tribute at 2021 GRAMMYs &#124; Entertainment Tonight|date=March 14, 2021|access-date=March 16, 2021|archive-date=March 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315185306/https://www.etonline.com/bruno-mars-honors-little-richard-in-high-energy-musical-tribute-at-2021-grammys-161740|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/article/6n0jta/bruno-mars-honors-little-richard-during-grammys|title=Bruno Mars Honors Little Richard During Grammys 'In Memoriam' Segment|website=[[BET]]|access-date=November 28, 2021|archive-date=May 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513061214/https://www.bet.com/music/2021/03/14/grammys-in-memoriam-little-richard-tribute.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2023, ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' ranked Little Richard at No. 11 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=January 1, 2023|title=The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-singers-all-time-1234642307/little-richard-4-1234643198/|access-date=October 18, 2023|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Awards ===
Although Richard never won a competitive Grammy, he received the [[Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award]] in 1993.<ref name="lifetime">{{Cite web|url=http://grammy.com/recording-academy/awards/lifetime-awards|title=Lifetime Awards|date=August 5, 2013|publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130812175746/http://grammy.com/recording-academy/awards/lifetime-awards|archive-date=August 12, 2013|access-date=August 5, 2013}}</ref> His album ''Here's Little Richard'' and three of his songs ("Tutti Frutti", "Lucille" and "Long Tall Sally") are inducted into the [[Grammy Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/awards/hall-of-fame |title=GRAMMY Hall of Fame |publisher=Grammy.org |access-date=December 31, 2012 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122042616/http://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/awards/hall-of-fame |archive-date=January 22, 2011}}</ref>

Richard received various awards for his key role in the formation of popular music genres.
* 1956: He received the ''[[Cashbox (magazine)|Cashbox]]'' Triple Crown Award for "Long Tall Sally" in 1956.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kolumbus.fi/timrei/lre.htm|title=Little Richard: Awards|date=March 4, 2013|access-date=October 12, 2006|archive-date=February 24, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224153914/http://www.kolumbus.fi/timrei/lre.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 1984: He was inducted into the [[Georgia Music Hall of Fame]].
* 1986: He was [[List of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees|inducted]] to the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] as a member of the initial class of inductees chosen for that honor.<ref name="HallofFame1986" />
* 1990: He received a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]].
* 1994: He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the [[Rhythm and Blues Foundation]].<ref>{{Cite news|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1994-03-04/news/9403040277_1_grammy-annual-rhythm-foundation|title=R&B Foundation Honors Little Richard, Others|date=March 4, 1994|access-date=December 20, 2012|archive-date=May 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512105800/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1994-03-04/news/9403040277_1_grammy-annual-rhythm-foundation|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* 1997: He received the [[American Music Award of Merit]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1997/01/03/music-awards-show-to-fete-little-richard/|title=Music Awards Show To Fete Little Richard|date=January 3, 1997|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=March 4, 2013|archive-date=May 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513144847/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1997-01-03/news/9801140034_1_list-of-past-winners-founding-father-rock-n-roll|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2002: Along with [[Chuck Berry]] and [[Bo Diddley]], he was honored as one of the first group of [[Broadcast Music Incorporated|BMI]] icons at the 50th Annual BMI Pop Awards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/20020701bmi_icons_bmi_icon_awards_honor_three_of_rock_rolls_founding_f|title=BMI ICON Awards Honor Three of Rock & Roll's Founding Fathers|date=June 30, 2002|publisher=bmi.com|access-date=August 12, 2013|archive-date=July 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729222254/http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/20020701bmi_icons_bmi_icon_awards_honor_three_of_rock_rolls_founding_f|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2002: He was inducted into the [[NAACP]] [[NAACP Image Award – Hall of Fame Award|Image Award Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2002/film/awards/hall-of-fame-inductee-little-richard-1117861071/|title=Hall of Fame Inductee: Little Richard|work=Variety|date=February 21, 2002|access-date=January 4, 2013|archive-date=December 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218133212/http://variety.com/2002/film/awards/hall-of-fame-inductee-little-richard-1117861071/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2003: He was inducted into the [[Songwriters Hall of Fame]].
* 2006: He was inducted into the [[Apollo Theater]] Hall of Fame.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.caribbeanlifenews.com/stories/2012/6/2012_06_07_sub_apollo_gala.html|title=Apollo's new legends inducted|date=June 13, 2012|work=Caribbeanlifenews.com|publisher=Caribbean Life|access-date=January 4, 2013|archive-date=November 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115032052/http://www.caribbeanlifenews.com/stories/2012/6/2012_06_07_sub_apollo_gala.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2008: He received a star on Nashville's [[Music City Walk of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.visitmusiccity.com/walkoffame/inductees.htm#November08|title=Inductee Information to the Music City Walk of Fame|publisher=Visitmusiccity.com|access-date=September 18, 2010|archive-date=November 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106090205/http://www.visitmusiccity.com/walkoffame/inductees.htm#November08|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2009: He was inducted to the [[Louisiana Music Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://louisianamusichalloffame.org/content/view/94/113/|title=Little Richard 2009|publisher=Louisiana Music Hall of Fame|access-date=September 18, 2010|archive-date=March 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302080850/http://louisianamusichalloffame.org/content/view/94/113/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* 2010: He received a plaque on the [[Apollo Theater]]'s Walk of Fame.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.urbanchristiannews.com/ucn/2010/05/quincy-jones-patty-labelle-gladys-knight-and-more-honored-as-new-yorks-apollo-theater-unveils-walk-o.html|title=Quincy Jones, Patty LaBelle, Gladys Knight and More Honored as New York's Apollo Theater Unveils Walk of Fame|date=May 11, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001071010/http://www.urbanchristiannews.com/ucn/2010/05/quincy-jones-patty-labelle-gladys-knight-and-more-honored-as-new-yorks-apollo-theater-unveils-walk-o.html|archive-date=October 1, 2012|access-date=January 4, 2013}}</ref>
* 2015: He was inducted into the [[Blues Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.classicalite.com/articles/17734/20150224/eric-clapton-little-richard-tommy-brown-2015-blues-hall-fame-inductees.htm|title=Eric Clapton, Little Richard and Tommy Brown named 2015 Blues Hall of Fame Inductees|date=February 24, 2015|work=Classicalite|access-date=April 5, 2015|archive-date=March 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330131208/http://www.classicalite.com/articles/17734/20150224/eric-clapton-little-richard-tommy-brown-2015-blues-hall-fame-inductees.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2015: He was inducted into the [[Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/201846143194483/photos/a.201874793191618.50752.201846143194483/897704156942008/?type=1&theater|title=Timeline Photos – Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame Museum|via=Facebook|access-date=August 17, 2015|archive-date=October 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029155312/https://www.facebook.com/201846143194483/photos/a.201874793191618.50752.201846143194483/897704156942008/?type=1&theater|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=February 2024}}
* 2015: He received the Rhapsody & Rhythm Award from the National Museum of African American Music.<ref name="nmaam1" /><ref name="tennessean1" />
* 2019: He received the Distinguished Artist Award at the 2019 Tennessee Governor's Arts Awards.<ref name="musicrow.com" /><ref name="knoxnews.com" />