Richard Wayne Penniman ( born December 5 , 1932 ) is most famous by the stage name `` Little Richard . '' He is an American singer and songwriter . Richard Wayne Penniman ( born December 5 , 1932 ) , known by the stage name Little Richard , is an American singer , songwriter , musician , recording artist , and actor , considered key in the transition from rhythm and blues to rock and roll in the 1950s .