Little Richard 'an extraordinary genius': friend and biographer, Scarborough's 'Dr Rock' Charles White, pays tribute

Mr White first met Richard in Mansfield on his first tour of England in 1962 and has been a lifelong fan. His official biography of the rock 'n' roll pioneer was published in 1984.

He said today: “Without doubt Little Richard was the main force behind the genre of rock 'n’ roll. Everybody from Elvis Presley to The Rolling Stones and The Beatles were influenced by his music, his style and delivery.

"Hearing Little Richard’s 'Long Tall Sally' for the very first time in 1956 was like getting out of the Bastille after 40 years. His music equalled nothing less than FREEDOM, FREEDOM, FREEDOM!.

"He was such an extraordinary genius and changed 20th century music forever.

"Bob Dylan worshipped him and when Richard was very ill some years ago, Dylan stayed by his hospital bedside for several evenings, such was his devotion to him.

"It was such a great privilege to write his life story. Richard introduced me to Mohammed Ali and so many great names in the music industry.

"Little Richard’s music will continue to inspire for future generations."

Charles White’s official biography ‘The Life & Times of Little Richard -The Quasar of Rock’, with a foreword by Paul McCartney, is acknowledged internationally as the definitive account of Richard’s extraordinary life.

The book and the subsequent media interest in its publication became the catalyst for a resurgence in interest in Little Richard’s music and became an important factor in revitalising his career again.

In 2013, Mr White’s biography was included in a list of 100 significant book titles chosen by David Bowie that was featured in the musician’s blockbuster exhibition at the V&A in London.

Charles White, who presents a show on BBC Radio York, is also the official biographer to rock 'n’ roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis.

He has been quoted or mentioned in Little Richard tributes in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times and The Guardian.

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