Little Richard Undergoes Hip Surgery (Asks Fans For Prayers)

Spinner ^ | Nov 24th 2009 | Michael D. Ayers

[a fool in paradise]

Even those living legends who still rock are in need of a body tune-up every once in awhile. Little Richard, now 76, is recovering at a Vanderbilt University hospital after undergoing hip surgery. In a post to his official Myspace page, a spokesperson has said that although the surgery was successful, the veteran rocker is still in a lot of pain. "Please be praying for a quick and full recovery. He may have a long road ahead of him (i.e. physiotherapy) because he waited so long to have the surgery."

Little Richard, a long-time born-again Christian, is asking his fans to continue praying for him as he recovers. According to the Associated Press, he plans to resume touring activities in 2010, once his recovery is in full. "He is thankful to the LORD for the blessing of longevity and greatly appreciates the kindness and caring of all of the faithful warriors who have been uplifting him in prayer," the Myspace statement continued.

Little Richard has long been credited as one of the founders of what we now know as modern rock 'n' roll, when in the mid '50s, he explored a combination of blues, gospel and faster rhythms in songs such as 'Tutti Frutti' and 'Good Golly, Miss Molly.' Numerous influential musicians such as Bob Dylan, Otis Redding and Elvis Presley all attribute Little Richard as a primary influence in their defining work.

[a fool in paradise]

[norraad]

A truly loved Amerrycan all around the world!

Talk about a goodwill ambassador!

[jessduntno]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...

[AngelesCrestHighway]

Tutti Frutti!

[dainbramaged]

Saw him in concert back in the 70’s - brought the house down.
Hope he recovers fully, the man is a legend.

[EDINVA]

Here’s prayers for a speedy recovery, relief from pain, and a full healing for this great American Legend of Rock ‘n Roll. Some of the best music in that genre, ever!

[Billthedrill]

Prayers up. This guy could bring a house down every night.

[GodBlessRonaldReagan]

His opening theme song for “The Girl Can’t Help It” still makes my hair stand on end. God bless Little Richard!!!

[Disambiguator]

Numerous influential musicians such as Bob Dylan, Otis Redding and Elvis Presley all attribute Little Richard as a primary influence in their defining work.

The artist formerly known as the artist formerly known as Prince was inspired by him, too - at least in the fashion dept.

[jagusafr]

I wrote a song for my dad after his hip replacement:

I need a hip transplant, Lord
Got to redefine my view of cool
I need a hip transplant, Jesus
Redefine my view of cool
Gotta rehabilitate my gait
Till I’m walkin’ like a Jesus fool

There’s more...

Colonel, USAFR

[ClearCase_guy]

Once upon a time, people kept their bedroom in their bedroom, and much of the American public accepted them just as they were. Little Richard always had millions of fans. He wasn't terribly subtle, but he also wasn't kissing his guitarist on stage.

I much prefer Little Richard to Adam Lambert.

[llevrok]

Rock and roll royalty

Keep bangin' those eighty-eights soon, Richard

[Stevenc131]

My wife and I saw him about 5 years ago. He was in a medium sized venue just outside Atlanta, and the place was only about 2/3s full. I was kind of ashamed of the fact that in his native state he didn’t pack the place, but still, it was a very enjoyable show.

I can tell you guys, he can flat out play the piano, and I’m not just talking about doing the flashy stuff. You can see a little of his skill when he does TV appearances, but when you sit through an entire show, you come away with a new appreciation of what a really fine musician he really is.

There was no pre-recorded music or lip synching at his show, just Little Richard and his band cranking out the tunes. A true original.

[duckman]

Good luck Richard. My favorite “Ready Teddy”

[CrazyJoeDivola]

Ran into Little Richard at LAX a few years ago with his entourage. He looked a little frail at the time, had apparently been on one of the late night talk shows the night before.

One of his crowd was being preemptive to autograph seekers in walking around handing out a book with an autographed picture from Little Richard.

[WOBBLY BOB]

that artist also recently had hip replacement...

Awopbamaloobopabrokemahip

[phredo53]

I have always given him credit as the real King Of Rock ‘n Roll.

[duckman]

“..still makes my hair stand on end.”
Same here. I was part of the Richard generation back in the 50’s. When I hear Good Golly or Ready Teddy the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Kind of like an electric charge.

[Judges Gone Wild]

I saw him in concert in the ‘90s and he tore the house down! He also gave each audience member a copy of a book that contained his testimony of Jesus’ work in his life. He’s a good man. One of the last of the original rock’n’roll stars. There’s just him, Jerry Lee, Fats Domino, Dion, maybe a few others. See them while they’re still around!