Rock ‘N’ Roll legend Little Richard, Richard Wayne Penniman, passed away earlier today, in his home, at the age of 87.
The news was announced on his official Facebook page. Known for some of his signature songs, “Long Tail Sally” (1956) and “Tutti Frutti” (1955), Richard inspired countless musicians, including Jimi Hendrix.
Richard opened WrestleMania 10 (1994) from Madison Square Garden with his rendition of “America the Beautiful.” You can hear a portion of it in the video below.
Former pro-wrestler Marc Mero took to Twitter to comment on the passing of music legend Little Richard. He writes, “Little Richard, Founding Father of Rock and roll Who Broke Musical Barriers, Dead at 87. My character in WCW wrestling that Dusty Rhodes created for me to portray was based on him. Here he is holding a poster of me back in 1993. Some great memories!”
Later pro-wrestling journalist Jim Varsallone from the Miami Herald would ask Mero how Little Richard reacted to his portrayal, claiming that he was flattered. He says, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I believe he really enjoyed the Johnny B. Badd character. He would say about me, “He’s not as pretty as me!”
WWE also commented on Richard’s passing:
WWE is saddened to learn that Little Richard, The Founding Father of Rock and one of the most influential musicians of all time, passed away today at age 87.
With a catalog of classics to his credit, including “Good Golly Miss Molly,” “Long Tall Sally” and “Tutti Frutti” – memorably covered by Hall of Famer “Mean” Gene Okerlund on “The Wrestling Album”– Little Richard made an indelible mark on the WWE Universe with a stirring performance of “America the Beautiful” at WrestleMania X in Madison Square Garden.
WWE extends its condolences to Little Richard’s family, friends and fans.
Little Richard, Founding Father of Rock and roll Who Broke Musical Barriers, Dead at 87. My character in WCW wrestling that Dusty Rhodes created for me to portray was based on him. Here he is holding a poster of me back in 1993. Some great memories! pic.twitter.com/czdmqRdzqb— Marc Mero (@MarcMero) May 9, 2020
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I believe he really enjoyed the Johnny B. Badd character. He would say about me, “He’s not as pretty as me!” 😂 https://t.co/N2p8zfiD8A— Marc Mero (@MarcMero) May 9, 2020
RIP LITTLE RICHARD! The Innovator! The Originator! The Architect of Rock and Roll! Nobody did it better! @wwe #littlerichard #wrestlemania10 pic.twitter.com/To1trvNv7u— Shotzi Blackheart (@ShotziWWE) May 9, 2020
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