The architect of rock ‘n’ roll is dead. Little Richard, a legendary presence in popular music that inspired everyone from Bob Dylan to The Beatles, touched many aspects of society over his long career, and that includes pro wrestling. In a statement on their website, WWE has highlighted Little Richard’s contributions to the sport, including his memorable performance of America The Beautiful at the opening of WrestleMania X.
WWE is saddened to learn that Little Richard, The Founding Father of Rock and Roll who performed a moving rendition of “America the Beautiful” at WrestleMania X, passed away today at age 87. https://t.co/YpFzBFhhST
— WWE (@WWE) May 9, 2020
With a catalog of classics to his credit, including “Good Golly Miss Molly,” “Long Tall Sally” and “Tutti Frutti” – memorably covered by Hall of Famer “Mean” Gene Okerlund on “The Wrestling Album”– Little Richard made an indelible mark on the WWE Universe with a stirring performance of “America the Beautiful” at WrestleMania X in Madison Square Garden.
Of course, Little Richard also inspired plenty of other aspects of wrestling history. Most directly, he was the source of inspiration for Johnny B. Badd, a flamboyant character played by Marc Mero in World Championship Wrestling. As one of the founding fathers of rock music, he was also integral in the origins of many theme songs and personalities we’ve enjoyed throughout the years. The next time you see a wrestler walking down the aisle to a powerful guitar riff, you can thank rock’s Wild Man.
Little Richard, Founding Father of Rock and roll Who Broke Musical Barriers, Dead at 87. My character in WCW wrestling that Dusty Rhodes created for me to portray was based on him. Here he is holding a poster of me back in 1993. Some great memories! pic.twitter.com/czdmqRdzqb
— Marc Mero (@MarcMero) May 9, 2020
Little Richard passed away at age 87 after a long battle with bone cancer. WrestleZone offers our condolences to his friends, family, and many fans during this difficult time.
