From DC Secretary to Little Richard’s Ex-Wife: The Story of Ernestine Campbell

Ernestine Campbell is best known as the first wife of rock and roll pioneer Little Richard. Born in the United States in 1939, she built a career as a secretary in Washington, D.C. Campbell met Richard Wayne Penniman at an evangelical rally in 1957 and married him in California two years later. The couple adopted Danny Jones Penniman and remained together until their divorce in 1964, citing the pressures of fame and personal differences. After their split, Campbell led a more private life and remarried McDonald Campbell in 1975. Meanwhile, Little Richard went on to achieve legendary status in music history.

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