As the world continues to mourn the loss of Little Richard, it’s only right that we pay tribute to a founding father of rock & roll.

Little Richard will always be remembered for his prominence in the 1950s. The flamboyant, piano playing artist opened the doors for black artists and brought all races together through his soulful music.

Born in Macon, Georgia, Richard Wayne Penniman was the third of 12 children. Born into a very religious family, Richard’s father was a deacon, and he began singing at church at a young age. His musical influences came from gospel performers like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Marion Williams, and Brother Joe May.

Richard began performing professionally in 1949 with Doctor Nubillo’s traveling show. He picked up playing the piano after hearing Ike Turner’s piano intro on “Rocket 88.”

He landed his first record deal with RCA in 1951 and became known as “Little Richard.” In 1955 he cut his famous first hit “Tutti Frutti,” which peaked at number 17 on the pop chart, and this would be groundbreaking in music world, especially during an era of high prejudice and Civil Rights.

Year after year, Little Richard released hit after hit with songs like “Long Tall Sally,” “Slippin and Slidin,” “Lucille” and “Rip It Up.” His iconic stage presence which included a pompadour and makeup put him at the level of other early rock icons like Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley.

Little Richard gave up music in 1957 and started attending the Alabama School Oakwood College where he became an ordained minister. The next album he would release would be a gospel set in 1959 called “God is Real.” He made his return to rock in 1964, although none of the music he would create would sell very well.  By the 1970s, Richard was making frequent appearances in rock & roll revival shows while pursuing non-musical interests.

The accolades Little Richard received over the course of his career included three Grammy Hall of Fame Awards, The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, an American Music Award of Merit, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to name a few.

It is with a heavy heart that I ask for prayers for the family of my lifelong friend and fellow rocker ‘Little Richard,’” Jerry Lee Lewis said in a statement. “He will live on always in my heart with his amazing talent and his friendship! He was one of a kind and I will miss him dearly.”