Penniman Family History & Genealogy

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.

Edward G Penniman of Peabody, Essex County, MA was born on December 20, 1914, and died at age 58 years old in August 1973.

Bruce Penniman of Rehoboth, Bristol County, MA was born on December 29, 1927, and died at age 81 years old on January 19, 2009.

Frederic G Penniman of Hopkinton, Middlesex County, MA was born on June 8, 1927, and died at age 83 years old on December 5, 2010.

Mary Anne Penniman of Magnolia, Montgomery County, Texas was born on April 2, 1935, and died at age 71 years old on June 16, 2006.

Howard F Penniman of Saint Johnsbury, Caledonia County, VT was born on April 24, 1917, and died at age 75 years old on October 4, 1992.

Warren B Penniman of North Hollywood, Los Angeles County, CA was born on March 9, 1910, and died at age 82 years old on April 6, 1992.

Curtis A Penniman of Lunenburg, Worcester County, MA was born on December 24, 1923, and died at age 70 years old on January 15, 1994.

George N Penniman of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, CA was born on November 8, 1907, and died at age 90 years old on February 16, 1998.

George M Penniman of Cusick, Pend Oreille County, WA was born on July 7, 1910, and died at age 92 years old on August 21, 2002.

Edwin F Penniman of New Harbor, Lincoln County, ME was born on September 27, 1917, and died at age 86 years old on April 6, 2004.

Winifred J Penniman was born on December 17, 1906, and died at age 84 years old on October 4, 1991. Winifred Penniman was buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery Section S Site 1324 1300 Sneath Lane, in San Bruno, Ca. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Winifred J Penniman.

Charles Donald Penniman of Trenton, Wayne County, MI was born on August 23, 1906, and died at age 69 years old on June 5, 1976. Charles Penniman was buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery Section S Site 1324 1300 Sneath Lane, in San Bruno, Ca.

Robert C Penniman of Davenport, Scott County, IA was born on November 8, 1914, and died at age 83 years old on November 5, 1998. Robert Penniman was buried at Rock Island National Cemetery Section Y Site 88 Bldg 118 - Rock Island Arsenal, in Rock Island, Il.

Charles Penniman Jr of Moreno Valley, Riverside County, CA was born on October 13, 1930, and died at age 66 years old on November 6, 1996. Charles Penniman was buried at Riverside National Cemetery Section 19A Site 3479 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, in Riverside.

Dayton H Penniman Sr of Henderson, Clark County, NV was born on August 29, 1923, and died at age 74 years old on September 30, 1997. Dayton Penniman was buried at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery Section F Site 592 1900 Buchanan Blvd., in Boulder City.

Robert Rime Penniman of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, MN was born on September 19, 1942, and died at age 66 years old on September 11, 2009. Robert Penniman was buried at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery Section 30 Site 2873 7601 34th Avenue, South, in Minneapolis.

Delores Penniman of Henderson, Clark County, NV was born on February 23, 1923, and died at age 76 years old on July 12, 1999. Delores Penniman was buried at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery Section F Site 592 1900 Buchanan Blvd., in Boulder City.

William L Penniman of Kalispell, Flathead County, MT was born on October 16, 1916, and died at age 78 years old on May 25, 1995.

Worthy C Penniman of Conneaut, Ashtabula County, OH was born on May 23, 1901, and died at age 91 years old on June 15, 1992.