RIP Little Richard - See a 13-Song Set from June 2012 in NYC

Asal Shah / Photography by: Bobby Bank / May 11, 2020

Little Richard was many things. He was "The Innovator," "The Originator," and more clearly "The Architect of Rock and Roll." He laid the foundation for rock music, and continued to be a huge influence in music and culture for seven decades.
Born Richard Wayne Penniman, the iconic artist passed on May 9th, 2020 at 87-years-old, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to transcend through time. As the tributes came pouring in, the weight of his influence was truly felt. From Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan, to Mick Jagger and Billy Idol, he taught many of our favorites how to move, groove and rock.
We couldn't think of a better way to honor his legacy and influence than by looking back at one of Little Richard's last shows before he retired from performing. The charismatic performer, known for his eccentric performance style like climbing on top of his piano, carried everything he could into the last years of his live career.
His show on June 14, 2012 at New York City's intimate B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, connected him with his fans for what would be one of the last times.
While he could no longer physically keep up to the antics from his prime years, due to a hip replacement and other health issues, the energy never faltered. The night started with a long, instrumental funk jam before Little Richard was introduced as a "national treasurer" and wheeled onto the stage straight to his piano before going into a performance of "Blueberry Hill."
Between songs, Little Richard took the time to chat with his fans at length, achieving what he's always done best, inclusion.
The 13-song set showcased all his hits, playing gems like "Bama Lama Bama Loo," "Good Golly Miss Molly," "Jenny, Jenny," and "Keep a Knockin'." He worked in plenty of covers too like The Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing there" and "I'm Walking'" by Fats Domino.
The set ended with the hit that started it all - "Tutti Frutti." Check out the entire setlist below:
Little Richard
Little Richard will never be forgotten, RIP to one of the greatest.