Little Richard's Unique Appearance

Richard Wayne Penniman, best known as "Little Richard" was a very popular singer, songwriter and musician whose most popular work is from the mid-1950s. He's credited with being one of the founders of Rock and Roll due to his music, charisma and showmanship, and has influenced a number of singers and musicians across numerous musical genres. Richard was born in Macon Georgia to Leva Mae (Stewart) and Charles "Bud" Penniman and was the third of twelve children. It was during his childhood Richard earned his nicknamed "Lil' Richard" because of his small and skinny frame which of course would stay with him the rest of his life. His father was a church deacon, brick mason and owner of the nightclub "Tip In Inn" and his mother was a member of Macon's New Hope Baptist Church. His parents were religious and gave Richard his first introduction into live music during worship. Understanding his parent's lives likely gives us insight into how his early childhood resulted into the rock and roll star we all know. When he moved out of his family's home, Richard was taken in by a white family who owned a club in Macon where Richard began performing and honed his talent. In 1951 Richard caught his first big break where he performed on an Atlanta radio station which resulted in a record contract with RCA. In 1955 Richard began working with Specialty Records producer Arte Rupe and his career took off. One of his most famous songs, Tutti Frutti (1955) became an instance hit topping Billboard charts in the United States & United Kingdom. He enjoyed a true celebrity life - the Beatles opened for Little Richard during a tour in the UK where Richard taught Paul McCartney some of his vocalizations, he had his own television special "The Little Richard Spectacular" , was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, was a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy and the Rhythm and Blue Foundation and received numerous other awards. Little Richard is well regarded as being one of the first crossover black artists that's talent appealed to all races. His music and concerts attracted all people despite being most popular during a time of segregation.