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

Sign up to Roisin O’Connor’s free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Nile Rodgers has led tributes to rock and roll pioneer Little Richard, calling the fellow musician’s death “the loss of a true giant”. “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 Little Richard.. There’s no Jimi Hendrix without Little Richard.” Music critic Simon Price said: “Little Richard was the firecracker who set it all off. The actual greatest.” Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 4 month free trial Sign up Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 4 month free trial Sign up Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys tweeted: “I’m very sorry to hear about Little Richard. 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.