Little Richard, an entertainer per excellence has died of bone cancer at the age of 87. The late entertainer had been entertaining since his childhood days. Richard was so talented to the extent that he would play piano with one leg placed over the keys. He even played dead on stage during one iconic concert in Britain. He played dead so effectively that medical help was sought for him in the venue before he revived himself to the excitement of the audience.
While on tour, Richard’s lifestyle emerged as the epitome of rock ‘n’ roll’s decadence. He fondly spoke of his promiscuous life before the wild parties of rockers in the 60s.
However, Richard used to be one of rock’s most controversial personalities and he never for once became an important figure as far as the African American or gay communities are concerned.
Though he happened to be one of the first set of African American artists to bridge the racial gap, the younger set of black Disk Jockeys did not have regard for an artist perceived to be embedded in the white mainstream.
Also, Richard enjoyed a successful film career. He featured in movies like “Don’t Knock The Rock and Down” and “Out In Beverly Hills.”
He announced that he would be retiring from live performance in 2002 though he was still appearing on television.
May his soul rest in peace.
