Founding father of rock and roll Little Richard dies age 87

The musician's had a string of hits in the 1950s, including 'Good Golly Miss Molly' and 'Tutti Frutti

Little Richard, whose outrageous showmanship and lightning-fast rhythms intoxicated crowds in the 1950s with hits like "Tutti Frutti" and "Long Tall Sally," has died. He was 87 years old. AFP / Getty Show more

Little Richard, considered to be one of the founding fathers of rock and roll, has died age 87.

The musician's son Danny Penniman confirmed his death to Rolling Stone magazine but said the cause of death was unknown.

With a string of hits in the 1950s, including Tutti Frutti, Long Tall Sally, Rip It Up, Lucille and Good Golly Miss Molly, Little Richard was famed for his outlandish outfits and outrageous showmanship, and was credited with breaking countless musical barriers. The self-proclaimed "architect of rock 'n' roll" blended boogie-woogie, rhythm and blues and gospel with his own inimitable sound.

“I never accepted the idea that I had to be guided by some pattern or blueprint,” he once said.

The Beatles recorded several of his songs, including Long Tall Sally, and paid tribute in their songs to Little Richard's distinct singing style. From Elton John to Elvis Presley and Prince, some of the biggest names in music were influenced by his pioneering musical style.

His career can perhaps be summed up in his own words: “I did what I felt and I felt what I did, at all costs.”