HAPPY BIRTHDAY

LITTLE RICHARD, 85. Born Richard Penniman in Georgia, the charismatic U.S. singer and musician laid the foundations of rock ’n’ roll, with hits such as Tutti Frutti, Good Golly Miss Molly and Long Tall Sally. Last year, when it was rumoured he was gravely ill, he responded: ‘Not only is my family not gathering around me because I’m ill, but I’m still singing. I don’t perform like I used to, but I have my singing voice. I had hip surgery a while ago, but I’m healthy.’