Ernestine Harvin Campbell (Little Richard, Ex-Wife)

In the glittering world of rock ‘n’ roll, few names shine as brightly as Little Richard. But behind every great man, there’s often a remarkable woman, and in this case, that woman was Ernestine Harvin Campbell. 

Ernestine Campbell was Little Richard’s wife from 1959 to 1964. Richard, born Richard Wayne Penniman, was an American singer known for his hit songs like “Long Tall Sally,” “Good Golly,” and “Miss Molly.” 

Campbell worked as a secretary in Washington, DC. Unfortunately, she died on May 9, 2010, aged 74. This article delves into the life of Ernestine Harvin Campbell, exploring her journey from a secretary in the nation’s capital to the wife of one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most iconic figures.

Ernestine Harvin Campbell: A Biography

Ernestine Harvin Campbell’s life story is one of quiet strength and resilience. Born on October 12, 1905, in Washington, D.C., 

Ernestine grew up in a time of significant social and cultural change in America. Her early life, though not extensively documented, likely shaped her into the woman who would later catch the eye of a musical legend.

Ernestine’s path crossed with Little Richard’s at an evangelical rally in October 1957. This chance meeting would alter the course of both their lives. 

Richard Wayne Penniman, already a rising star in the music industry, was captivated by Ernestine’s grace and intellect. 

Their whirlwind romance culminated in marriage on July 12, 1959, thrusting Ernestine into a world of fame and music that was far removed from her life as a secretary in Washington, D.C.

Life in the spotlight was not easy for Ernestine. As the wife of Little Richard, she had to navigate the complexities of celebrity life while maintaining her own identity. 

The contrast between her quiet, professional background and the flamboyant world of rock ‘n’ roll created a unique dynamic in their relationship.

Personal Details

Ernestine Campbell’s Age and Physical Characteristics

Ernestine Harvin Campbell’s age has been a subject of some controversy. While some sources cite her birth year as 1905, this would have made her significantly older than Little Richard, who was born in 1932. The discrepancy in their ages raises questions about the accuracy of this information.

Physically, Ernestine was described as a woman of modest stature, standing at approximately 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches) tall and weighing around 56 kilograms (123 pounds). Her petite frame stood in stark contrast to Little Richard’s larger-than-life persona.

Educational Background

Ernestine Harvin Campbell was known to be a well-educated woman. She completed her schooling and pursued higher education, eventually achieving a post-graduate degree. 

This level of education was significant for a woman of her time, especially an African American woman in the mid-20th century. Her academic achievements likely contributed to her ability to maintain her own identity and career despite being married to a famous musician.

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Ernestine Harvin Campbell’s Career

Before her marriage to Little Richard, Ernestine had established herself as a secretary in Washington, D.C. This career choice speaks to her professionalism and organizational skills. 

Working in the nation’s capital, she likely had exposure to important political and social circles, which may have prepared her for the high-profile life she would lead as Little Richard’s wife.

During her marriage to Little Richard, Ernestine’s career took a backseat to her role as a celebrity spouse. The demands of Little Richard’s career, including tours, recordings, and public appearances, likely required much of her attention and support.

After her divorce from Little Richard in 1964, details about Ernestine’s subsequent career path become scarce. It’s possible that she returned to her secretarial work or pursued other professional opportunities. 

The lack of information about her post-divorce career highlights how often women’s individual accomplishments are overshadowed by their relationships with famous men.

Family Life

Marriage to Little Richard

Ernestine’s marriage to Little Richard on July 12, 1959, was a union of contrasts. Little Richard, born Richard Wayne Penniman, was already a star known for his flamboyant style and energetic performances. 

Ernestine, on the other hand, was a reserved professional woman. Their wedding marked the beginning of a challenging journey as a celebrity couple.

The challenges they faced were numerous. Little Richard’s fame brought constant public scrutiny, and the lifestyle of a rock ‘n’ roll star was often at odds with Ernestine’s more traditional background. 

Despite these challenges, the couple managed to create a life together, even adopting a son, Danny Jones Penniman, during their first year of marriage.

Children

While Ernestine and Little Richard did not have biological children together, their decision to adopt Danny Jones Penniman was a significant moment in their relationship. Danny, adopted as a one-year-old, became an important part of their lives.

After Ernestine and Little Richard’s divorce, Danny remained close to his adoptive father. In fact, Danny later worked as Little Richard’s bodyguard, maintaining a strong connection with the music legend throughout his life. 

This ongoing relationship between Danny and Little Richard suggests that despite the end of their marriage, Ernestine and Richard managed to co-parent effectively.

Parents and Siblings

Information about Ernestine’s parents and siblings is limited. This lack of information is not uncommon for individuals who gain fame through association with celebrities, as their personal histories often remain private. 

However, it’s likely that Ernestine’s family background played a role in shaping her values and her approach to her high-profile marriage.

Financial Aspects

Ernestine Harvin Campbell’s Net Worth

While specific details about Ernestine Harvin Campbell’s net worth are not publicly available, it’s important to consider the context of her life and career. 

As a secretary in Washington, D.C., she likely earned a modest but steady income. Her marriage to Little Richard may have brought financial benefits, but it’s unclear how this impacted her personal wealth.

In contrast, Little Richard’s net worth was estimated to be around $40 million at the time of his death in 2020. 

This substantial wealth was accumulated through his successful music career, which spanned several decades and influenced generations of musicians.

Individual	Estimated Net Worth
Ernestine Harvin Campbell	Not publicly disclosed
Little Richard	Approximately $40 million

The financial implications of their divorce in 1964 are not well-documented. Divorce settlements in celebrity cases can be complex, and without specific information, it’s difficult to determine how Ernestine’s financial situation was affected by the end of her marriage to Little Richard.

The End of an Era

Divorce from Little Richard

Ernestine and Little Richard’s marriage came to an end in 1964, after just five years together. The reasons cited for their divorce were varied. 

Ernestine reportedly found life difficult due to Little Richard’s celebrity status, while Little Richard later attributed the failure of their marriage to his own neglect and his struggles with his sexuality.

In later years, Little Richard made claims about his sexuality that added complexity to the narrative of their marriage. He stated that Ernestine and others didn’t know about his sexuality due to his “powerful” sexual drive during their marriage. 

These statements highlight the personal struggles Little Richard faced and the impact they had on his relationship with Ernestine.

Life After Divorce

After her divorce from Little Richard, Ernestine’s life took a more private turn. She later remarried, becoming Mrs. Mcdonald Campbell. 

However, details about this second marriage and her life post-Little Richard are scarce, reflecting how quickly the spotlight can shift away from those no longer associated with celebrities.

Ernestine Campbell’s Death

Ernestine Campbell passed away in the year 2000, surrounded by her loved ones. Her death marked the end of a life that had intersected with one of the most dynamic periods in American music history. 

While the specific circumstances of her passing are not widely reported, her death at the age of 94 (based on the reported 1905 birth year) suggests she lived a long and presumably full life.

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Ernestine Campbell: Partner and Muse of a Musical Legend

While Ernestine’s direct influence on Little Richard’s music career may not be extensively documented, her role as his partner during a crucial period in his life undoubtedly had an impact. 

The stability of marriage and family life, even if short-lived, can often provide artists with emotional support and inspiration.

Little Richard’s career saw numerous highs during and after his marriage to Ernestine. 

Some of his most iconic performances and recordings took place during this period, suggesting that his personal life may have positively influenced his professional success.

Conclusion

Ernestine Harvin Campbell’s life story is a testament to the often-overlooked roles played by the partners of famous musicians. 

Her journey from a secretary in Washington, D.C. to the wife of one of rock ‘n’ roll’s biggest stars offers a unique perspective on the personal lives behind the public personas of music legends.

While much of the spotlight focused on Little Richard, Ernestine’s story reminds us of the importance of recognizing the supporting figures in the lives of celebrities. 

Her education, career, and the challenges she faced as a celebrity spouse all contribute to a fuller understanding of the era and the personal sacrifices often made in the pursuit of musical greatness.

Ernestine Harvin Campbell may not have achieved the same level of fame as her ex-husband, but her life intersected with a pivotal moment in music history. 

As we celebrate the legends of rock ‘n’ roll, it’s crucial to also acknowledge the partners, like Ernestine, who played significant roles in shaping the personal lives of these icons.

FAQs

Who is Ernestine Harvin? 

Ernestine Harvin, later known as Ernestine Campbell, was the ex-wife of legendary rock ‘n’ roll singer Little Richard. She was a secretary from Washington, D.C. who married Little Richard in 1959.

How tall was Ernestine Harvin? 

Ernestine Harvin was reported to be approximately 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches) tall.

How old was Ernestine? 

Based on the reported birth year of 1905, Ernestine would have been 54 when she married Little Richard in 1959 and around 95 when she passed away in 2000. 

However, this birth year has been questioned due to the significant age difference with Little Richard.

What year did Ernestine Campbell die? 

Ernestine Campbell passed away in the year 2000.

Who is Little Richard’s ex-wife? 

Little Richard’s ex-wife was Ernestine Harvin Campbell. They were married from 1959 to 1964.

Who did Little Richard marry as a minister?

Little Richard, who became an ordained minister, officiated the wedding of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore in 1987. However, this is different from his own marriage to Ernestine Harvin Campbell.

How much was Little Richard’s net worth? 

At the time of his death in 2020, Little Richard’s net worth was estimated to be around $40 million.