Ernestine Harvin Campbell (Little Richard, Ex-Wife)

In the annals of rock ‘n’ roll history, few names shine as brightly as Little Richard. But behind this flamboyant icon stood a woman whose story has largely remained in the shadows. 

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on Ernestine Harvin Campbell, the only woman officially married to the legendary rock star Little Richard. Let’s dive into the fascinating life of this enigmatic figure who played a crucial role in the personal life of one of music’s greatest innovators.

Ernestine Harvin Campbell Biography

Born on October 12, 1905, Ernestine Harvin Campbell was more than just Little Richard’s ex-wife. She was a well-educated woman with her own career and aspirations, who found herself caught up in the whirlwind of rock ‘n’ roll history.

Ernestine’s life took an unexpected turn when she met Richard Wayne Penniman, better known as Little Richard, at an evangelical rally in October 1957. Sparks flew between the secretary from Washington D.C. and the flamboyant rock star, leading to a romance that would soon make headlines.

Their whirlwind courtship culminated in a wedding on July 12, 1959. Ernestine Campbell became the only known woman officially married to the famous rock and roll star Little Richard.

However, like many celebrity marriages, theirs was destined to be short-lived. The couple divorced in 1964, with Ernestine citing the challenges of life in the public eye as a major factor.

Campbell’s Age and Physical Attributes

At the time of her marriage to Little Richard, Ernestine was significantly older than her rock star husband. Born in 1905, she was in her mid-50s when they tied the knot, while Little Richard was only in his late 20s.

Physically, Ernestine cut a petite figure:

• Height: 1.5m (about 4’11”)
• Weight: 56 kg (about 123 lbs)

While she wasn’t a larger-than-life figure like her famous husband, Ernestine had a presence all her own.

Ernestine Harvin Campbell’s Educational Background

Ernestine was a well-educated woman, though specific details about her educational journey are scarce. What we do know is that she pursued higher education and achieved a post-graduate degree. 

This level of education was quite remarkable for a woman of her generation, especially considering the societal norms and expectations of the early to mid-20th century.

Her educational background likely played a significant role in shaping her career and her ability to navigate the complex world of celebrity that she found herself in during her marriage to Little Richard.

Ernestine Harvin Campbell’s Career

Prior to her marriage to Little Richard, Ernestine had established herself as a professional in her own right. She worked as a secretary in Washington, D.C., holding a position in one of the city’s respected firms. This career choice speaks to her education, skills, and independence.

Unfortunately, details about her career path after her divorce from Little Richard are limited. The spotlight that shone so brightly on her during her marriage seems to have dimmed considerably after their separation, leaving us with little information about her professional life in later years.

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Ernestine Campbell’s Husband and Children

Ernestine’s most famous relationship was, of course, her marriage to Little Richard. Here’s a timeline of their relationship:

• October 1957: Met at an evangelical rally
• July 11, 1959: Wedding day
• 1961: Adopted son Danny Jones Penniman
• 1964: Divorced

While Ernestine and Little Richard didn’t have biological children together, they did adopt a son, Danny Jones Penniman, during their first year of marriage. After their divorce, Little Richard took primary responsibility for raising Danny, who later worked as his father’s bodyguard.

The reasons for their divorce were complex. Ernestine reportedly found life in the public eye challenging, while Little Richard later claimed his own neglect and “wild” lifestyle contributed to the breakdown of their marriage. There were also rumors of abusive behavior, though these claims were never substantiated.

"We didn't have any children together, but I was a father to her three children. I loved them as if they were my own." - Little Richard

After her divorce from Little Richard, Ernestine remarried, becoming Mrs. McDonald Campbell. However, details about this marriage and any subsequent relationships are scarce.

Ernestine Harvin Campbell’s Parents and Siblings

Unfortunately, information about Ernestine’s family background is limited. Details about her parents and siblings are not readily available in public records or media accounts. 

This lack of information is not unusual for individuals who were thrust into the public eye due to their relationships with celebrities, rather than for their own public personas.

Ernestine Harvin Campbell’s Net Worth

While Ernestine’s personal net worth remains undisclosed, it’s worth noting the financial context of her marriage to Little Richard. At the time of his death, Little Richard’s net worth was estimated to be around $40 million. 

However, during their marriage in the early 1960s, his career was at its peak, with hits like “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally” dominating the charts.

Person	Estimated Net Worth
Little Richard	$40 million (at time of death)
Ernestine Harvin Campbell	Undisclosed

It’s important to remember that Ernestine had her own career as a secretary, which would have provided her with financial independence both before and after her marriage to Little Richard.

Ernestine Campbell’s Death

Ernestine Harvin Campbell passed away in the year 2000 due to natural causes. She was surrounded by loved ones at the time of her death. Unfortunately, more specific details about her later life and passing are not readily available.

Meet Ernestine Campbell: Partner and Muse of a Musical Legend

While Ernestine may not have directly influenced Little Richard’s music, her role in his life during a crucial period of his career cannot be understated. The late 1950s and early 1960s, when they were together, marked the height of Little Richard’s rock ‘n’ roll fame.

Little Richard’s career milestones during and after his marriage to Ernestine:

• Mid-1950s: Released his most recognized work, including “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally”
• 1986: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Later years: Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
• Received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Recording Academy and the Rhythm and Blues Foundation

Ernestine’s presence in Little Richard’s life coincided with his transition from a wild rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle to a period of religious devotion. This shift had a significant impact on his career and personal life, and Ernestine was there through it all.

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Conclusion

Ernestine Harvin Campbell’s story reminds us that behind every great man, there’s often a woman with her own tale to tell. While she may not have left a lasting mark on the music world herself, she played a significant role in the life of one of rock’s biggest icons.

Her life intersected with Little Richard’s at a crucial moment in music history, and their relationship, however brief, offers us a glimpse into the personal life of a rock ‘n’ roll legend. Ernestine’s education, career, and the dignity with which she handled her time in the spotlight speak to her strength of character.

As we remember the icons of rock ‘n’ roll, let’s not forget the supporting players like Ernestine Harvin Campbell. Their stories, though often untold, are an integral part of the rich tapestry of music history.

FAQs

Who is Ernestine Harvin?

Ernestine Harvin, later known as Ernestine Harvin Campbell, was the only woman officially married to the famous rock and roll star Little Richard.

How tall was Ernestine Harvin?

Ernestine Harvin stood at 1.5 meters tall (about 4’11”).

How old was Ernestine?

Ernestine was born on October 12, 1905, making her in her mid-50s when she married Little Richard in 1959.

What year did Ernestine Campbell die?

Ernestine Campbell passed away in the year 2000 from natural causes.