Legendary rock ‘n’ roller Little Richard will be the latest inductee into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. Known for such classics as “Tutti Frutti” and “Good Golly, Miss Molly,” Richard will join past inductees Sidney Poitier, Smokey Robinson, B.B. King and Nancy Wilson.

“It’s an honor,” says Richard. “It means everything to me, for my people to do that. I appreciate it.”

In L.A. on a break from touring, Richard says he will not perform, and is unsure of how he’ll word his speech. “I’m unpredictable but it will be the right thing.”

In announcing the award, National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People president-CEO Kweisi Mfume said, “Little Richard has distinguished himself as not only an unparalleled musical genius, but also as a unique and innovative performing artist, fusing pure vocal talent with exhilarating showmanship. He is a welcome and deserving addition to the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame.”

Richard has been the recipient of numerous industry awards in recent years, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a lifetime achievement award from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the Rhythm & Blues Foundation’s Pioneer Award and an Award of Merit from the American Music Awards.

At a glance
Born: Dec. 5, 1932
Birthplace: Macon, Ga.
Notable: Part of the 1986 class of inductees in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, the first group to be enshrined.