The tributes have been pouring in to Little Richard, the rock 'n' roll pioneer who passed away today aged 87.
What's striking is the number of other big name artists who cite him as their reason for doing what they do. These include Mick Jagger who kid-in-a-sweet-shop style invited him to come on tour in the '60s with the Stones.
“I’m so saddened to hear about the passing of Little Richard,” he says. “He was the biggest inspiration of my early teens and his music still has the same raw electric energy when you play it now as it did when it first shot through the music scene in the mid 50’s.
“When we were on tour with him I would watch his moves every night and learn from him how to entertain and involve the audience and he was always so generous with advice to me,” he continues. “He contributed so much to popular music I will miss you Richard, God bless him."
Those sentiments are echoed by Elton John who messages: "Without a doubt - musically, vocally and visually - he was my biggest influence. Seeing him live in my teens was the most exciting event in my life at that point. Goosebumps, electricity and joy came from every pore. His records still sound fresh and the opening few seconds of 'Tutti Frutti' are the most explosive in music history.
"I was lucky enough to work with him for my Duets album in 1993," he continues. "He was shy and funny and I was so nervous. The track we recorded 'The Power' is a favourite in my catalogue. We also played live at the Beverly Hilton and I felt like I’d died and gone to heaven. He influenced so many and is irreplaceable. A true legend, icon and a force of nature. #RIP Little Richard."
He was also a big favourite in the Morello house as little Tom was growing up.
"Little Richard was a performer so riveting, so extraordinary, that Jimi Hendrix was his sideman," the Rage Against The Machine man reflects. "Thank you for everything! Thank you for rock 'n' roll."
Adds Joan Jett: "Little Richard was one of the original rock 'n' rollers. He was the original glam rocker and he took a lot of abuse for being in the first wave. He forged a path for all of us who followed."
Another big fan is Michelle Obama who says: "With his exuberance, his creativity, and his refusal to be anything other than himself, Little Richard laid the foundation for generations of artists to follow. We are so lucky to have had him. Sending all my love to his family and friends today."
Scroll down for more tributes and incredible photos - we love, love, love the one of him backstage with Kiss!

I just heard the news about Little Richard and I’m so grieved. He was my shining star and guiding light back when I was only a little boy. His was the original spirit that moved me to do everything I would do.

— Bob Dylan (@bobdylan) May 9, 2020

So sad to hear that my old friend Little Richard has passed. There will never be another!!! He was the true spirit of Rock’n Roll! pic.twitter.com/yU1EJmjejU

— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) May 9, 2020

“Wasn’t I wonderful?!” — Little Richard, after telling him I loved his show when I met him in the ‘90s. Yes. Yes, you were. Long live Little Richard! pic.twitter.com/ziiVNo4Phh

— Jeff Tweedy (@JeffTweedy) May 9, 2020

I was once asked, “If u could meet one person, who would it be?” I always said Little Richard. Because, to me, he was rock & roll’s most joyous, rebellious innovator.
Thank u for planting that seed, Richard. The world is a much happier place thanks to ur music.#RIPLittleRichard pic.twitter.com/kiq2VOZs8O

— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) May 9, 2020

Remembering #LittleRichard today... Bruce and I were so lucky and honored to have him officiate our wedding back in 1987 — thankful for the memories. Rest easy ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MFU347Ogij

— Demi Moore (@justdemi) May 9, 2020

The King of Rock and Roll#LittleRichard ♥️🕊♥️ pic.twitter.com/T4sSqC4LJr

— Patti LaBelle (@MsPattiPatti) May 9, 2020

A night to remember little Richard. And the boys peace and love. ✌️🌟❤️🎶🎵🍒☮️ pic.twitter.com/VsRDLTVeeJ

— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) May 9, 2020

LITTLE RICHARD Is A Cornerstone In The Very Foundation Of Rock & Roll. An Icon. A Songwriter And Performer With A Personality To Match. RIP Superstar. pic.twitter.com/Sdl6Yh59ex

— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) May 9, 2020

What a legend! 👑RIP Little Richard https://t.co/zirAXxSL2K

— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) May 9, 2020

Little Richard had quite a few great Muscle Shoals musicians in his band for a long time. Those guys were my heroes, and I felt so proud when I saw Richard in concert with my friends backing him up. The father and true king of rock and roll, if you ask me.

— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) May 9, 2020

So sad to hear the news about Little Richard. He was a real pioneer & one of the greatest voices in Rock n Roll. I remember when they asked me if I was ok w/ Richard singing Shakedown on the Academy Awards since I wasn't available - are u kidding? I was thrilled & he killed it! pic.twitter.com/nfyFnnacsC

— Bob Seger (@BobSeger) May 9, 2020

R.I.P. King 👑 #LittleRichard Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom .. Hyatt on Sunset ...The upcoming rapper and aspiring comedian (Arsenio Hall) met on the street outside “The Comedy Store” the rest is HISTORY 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/3CxjbJY11x

— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) May 9, 2020

RIP Little Richard. Thank you for the amazing inspiration. Good Golly Miss Molly is probably one of the best vocal performances in rock and roll ever. Nobody could sing like him... #LittleRichard

— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) May 9, 2020

Little Richard is worshipped by anyone who loves rock and roll. He officiated Tom’s wedding to Dana York and having him there that day filled him and everyone in attendance with joy, awe and delight. He will be sorely missed by the music community. ♥️ to his family pic.twitter.com/tnCj0qRkpi

— Tom Petty (@tompetty) May 9, 2020

RIP "Little Richard"

Jimi Hendrix was a member of Little Richard's backing bands "Royal Company" and "Upsetters." In addition to touring, Hendrix recorded on the "I Don't Know What You've Got But It's Got Me" & "Dancing All Around The World" singles#LittleRichard #JimiHendrix pic.twitter.com/UjK3KeyYjz

— Jimi Hendrix (@JimiHendrix) May 9, 2020

Little Richard’s authorized biography, incidentally, is dirtier than “The Dirt” pic.twitter.com/5l1kBpLCMD

— Franz Nicolay (@FranzNicolay) May 9, 2020

Memory. Sad to hear of Little Richards passing. I remember George diving under a table to grab a piece of jewellery Richard threw into the crowd in Hamburg. George came up smiling, covered in dirt, but holding the broach. pic.twitter.com/YrnZnRpnvZ

— Pete Best (@BeatlesPeteBest) May 9, 2020