Little Richard Parents: Meet Charles Penniman, Leva Mae Stewart

Little Richard was an American singer, pianist, and songwriter. He was the son of Charles Penniman and Leva Mae Stewart.

His father Charles Penniman was a church deacon and a brick builder who also ran a nightclub called the Tip In Inn and sold bootlegged moonshine on the side.

Little Richard’s mother attended Macon’s New Hope Baptist Church. His family named him “Lil’ Richard” as a child because of his diminutive and slender build.

He began singing in church and took piano lessons at a young age, despite being a mischievous boy who committed pranks on neighbours.

Little Richard’s family was quite devout, and members of his family became ministers after joining various A.M.E., Baptist, and Pentecostal churches.

He preferred Pentecostal churches because of their charismatic worship and live music. Little Richard became a cultural and musical icon for nearly seven decades.

Richard was honoured by several of organisations. In 1986, he was one of the initial inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He also received an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The Recording Academy and the Rhythm and Blues Foundation both honoured him with Lifetime Achievement Awards.