Rock ‘N’ Roll legend Little Richard, (real name Richard Wayne Penniman), passed away in his home Saturday at the age of 87.
The news of his passing was announced on his official Facebook page. He is best known signature songs such as “Long Tail Sally” (1956) and “Tutti Frutti” (1955).
Richard opened WrestleMania 10 in 1994 from Madison Square Garden with his rendition of “America the Beautiful.”
WWE issued a statement on Richard’s passing, which you can read below:
Rock and roll pioneer Little Richard passes away
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.