'Little Richard' Penniman dead at 87

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - "Little Richard" Penniman is dead at 87.

The music scene in the 19-50s... with his wild vocals and piano-pounding performances.

This weekend... macon is responding to the loss of this music icon.

41nbc's peyton lewis has more.

0:40-0:53 1:28-1:34 on saturday, rock and roll legend, little richard passed away in his tennessee home after a long battle with bone cancer.

Little richard was born in macon, and known for breaking down racial barriers to create rock and roll music that influenced many generations.

Born into a family of 12, little richard learned gospel music at a young age.

As a teenager, he left home to perform rhythm and blues in medicine shows and nightclubs.

His first record was produced in the early 1950s.

His cousin, stanley stewart, says richard's life and legacy serve as symbols of hope for others.

"when richard started here in macon, the racial climate was really terrible, it was really terrible.

To think that he had to overcome what he had to overcome, just to do what he did is a testament to the american dream."

Stewart described richard as a man of god who loved to make music.

He says richard was a legend from the first note he sang.

"it was as if the heavens opened up and said 'let there be rock and roll' and ever since then that music genre has gone on and on and on and on.

So he was definitely the originator of rock and roll and he will definitely be missed."

Harold young, the interim executive director at the tubman museum says that little richard's legacy will be remembered by everyone, especially the black community in middle georgia.

"he made a way for other people, now we don't have to go through the back door.

Now we own doors."

The family announced it would host richard rocks international music festival" earlier this year to celebrate the rock legend's 87th birthday.

Stanley stewart says the festival will still happen and honor his c1 3 b13 cousin's life.

In macon, peyton lewis, 41nbc news.

The proceeds from the "richard rocks music festival" will be donated to the little richard house and museum.

The childhood home