The four artists Little Richard thought stole his spotlight: “They’re going to always be in front”

Little Richard said he did not feel he had received all the recognition he deserved, despite being ranked eighth in Rolling Stone’s 2004 list of the 100 greatest artists. He accepted the honour while questioning the value of ranking musicians, and named four artists he believed would always be placed ahead of him.

Richard said the Rolling Stones and the Beatles “started with” him, and also singled out James Brown and Jimi Hendrix as artists he had supported and spoken with. He described sharing the era with them as a joy and said he was glad to have been part of rock and roll; Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan were also among the artists ahead of him in the wider ranking.