Little Richard Laid to Rest at Private Funeral in Alabama

Two weeks after his passing, legendary singer Little Richard, aka Richard Penniman, has been laid to rest.

Penniman was buried at the Oakwood University Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Alabama on Wednesday.

His close friends and family bid farewell in a private ceremony. The cemetery allowed the public to pay their respects as the funeral procession was underway.

Earlier this month, Penniman's lawyer Bill Sobel confirmed his death at 87, saying, “[Little Richard died] of bone cancer at a family home. He was loved by his family and adored by millions. He was not only an iconic and legendary musician, but he was also a kind, empathetic, and insightful human being.”

After news of his passing broke, big names took to social media to pay tribute to the rock 'n' roll legend.

Mick Jagger tweeted, “I'm so saddened to hear about the passing of Little Richard, he was the biggest inspiration of my early teens and his music still has the same raw electric energy when you play it now as it did when it first shot through the music scene in the mid 50's. When we were on tour with him I would watch his moves every night and learn from him how to entertain and involve the audience and he was always so generous with advice to me.”

Elton John shared, “Without a doubt — musically, vocally and visually — he was my biggest influence. Seeing him live in my teens was the most exciting event in my life at that point. Goosebumps, electricity and joy came from every pore.”

Former First Lady Michelle Obama tweeted, “With his exuberance, his creativity, and his refusal to be anything other than himself, Little Richard laid the foundation for generations of artists to follow. We are so lucky to have had him. Sending all my love to his family and friends today.”

See more reactions below.