Little Richard death: Nile Rodgers and Brian Wilson lead tributes to rock and roll pioneer

Musician and lyricist Tim Rice called him an ‘indisputably unique entertainer’

Nile Rodgers has led tributes to rock and roll pioneer Little Richard, calling the fellow musician’s death “the loss of a true giant”.

Little Richard's son, Danny Penniman, confirmed the death to Rolling Stone but said the cause was unknown.

“The genius who gave us A WOP BOP A LOO BOP A LOP BAM BOOM and plenty more is no more,” wrote musician and lyricist Tim Rice.

“RIP The Great Little Richard an indisputably unique entertainer.”

Steven Van Zandt, the guitarist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, wrote: “RIP Little Richard. The man who invented Rock and Roll. Elvis popularized it. Chuck Berry was the storyteller. Richard was the archetype. Maureen and I were so honored being the first marriage he conducted. We were lucky to know him. He lives forever in the Underground Garage.”

Sirius XM radio host Eric Alper tweeted: “Although he never hit the top 10 again after 1958, Little Richard’s influence was massive and quite frankly, influenced everybody.

“The Beatles, Stones, Elton, Everly Brothers, The Kinks, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, The Scorpions, Prince, EVERYBODY.”

US journalist and author Karen Hunter tweeted: “There’s no Beatles with[out] Little Richard. (just to give a little perspective on his impact on music). There’s no Jimi Hendrix without Little Richard (he learned all of that showmanship from the greatest & was fired because he lacked discipline and the work ethic Richard required).”

Music critic Simon Price said: “Little Richard was the firecracker who set it all off. Right there at rock’n’roll’s Big Bang, this ungovernable force transcending race, gender and sexuality. Literally a screaming queen. I met him once and it was like touching the hand of God. We owe him everything. RIP (it up).

“With no Little Richard you don’t get Hendrix, Iggy, Bowie, Bolan, Prince and so many others, right up to Janelle [Monae]. I honestly think he’s that important. Just immeasurably influential. The actual greatest.”

Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys tweeted: “I’m very sorry to hear about Little Richard. He was there at the beginning and showed us all how to rock and roll. He was a such a great talent and will be missed. Little Richard’s music will last forever.”

Rapper Juicy J wrote: “RIP Rock & Roll Legend Little Richard.”

Jack White’s record label Third Man Records tweeted: “The Innovator, originator, the architect.... a Rock and Roll king! A god has left the earth. Rest in Power Little Richard.”