Little Richard Little Richard Richard Wayne Penniman (born December 5, 1932), known as Little Richard, is an American recording artist, singer-songwriter and actor. A pop music and culture icon, Little Richard's most-celebrated work dates from the mid-1950s when his dynamic music and charismatic showmanship presaged the rise of rock and roll. His music influenced many other popular music genres, including soul, funk and hip hop and shaped generations of rhythm and blues artists. Little Richard has been honored by many institutions. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of its first group of inductees in 1986.
Richard Wayne Suesens awarded the Navy Cross posthumously. USS Richard W. Suesens (DE-342) was named in his honor. She was laid down 1 November 1943 by the Consolidated Steel Co., Ltd., Orange, Texas; launched 11 January 1944; sponsored by Mrs. R. W. Suesens, widow of "Lieutenant (junior grade) Suesens"; and commissioned 26 April 1944, Lt. Comdr. Milford McQuilkin in command. Richard Wayne Suesens Richard Wayne Suesens was born 30 April 1915 at Burlington, Iowa. "Suesens" enlisted in the Naval Reserve 31 May 1938. Appointed Aviation Cadet 4 October 1938 and commissioned ensign 15 October 1939, he reported for duty in Torpedo Squadron 3,