Little Richard in 2007, photo by Anna Bleker
Birth Name: Richard Wayne Penniman
Date of Birth: December 5, 1932
Place of Birth: Macon, Georgia, U.S.
Date of Death: May 9, 2020
Place of Death: Tullahoma, Tennessee, U.S.
Ethnicity: African-American
Little Richard was an American recording artist, singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. He was nicknamed “The Innovator,” “The Originator,” and “The Architect of Rock and Roll.”
Little Richard was the son of Leva Mae (Stewart) and Charles “Bud” Penniman, a church deacon. He had a son, who was adopted, with his former wife Ernestine Harvin.
Little Richard’s paternal grandfather was John Walter Penniman (the son of Morris Penniman and Adalin or Patsy Billingsley/Barron). Walter was born in Georgia. Morris was the son of The Rev. Elijah Penniman and Nancy Linch. Patsy’s mother was named Julia.
Little Richard’s paternal grandmother was named Ella Middlebrooks (the daughter of Jordan/Jordon Middlebrooks and Emily). Ella was born in Georgia.
Little Richard’s maternal grandfather was named Richard Candus Stewart. Little Richard’s grandfather Richard was born in Georgia.
Little Richard’s maternal grandmother was Irene Veal (the daughter of Horace Veal and Pleasant Shinholster). Irene was born in Georgia. Horace was the son of Paris Veal and Lizzie Ford.
Sources: Genealogies of Little Richard –
