Michelle Obama paid tribute to rock ‘n’ roll architect Little Richard, who died at age 87 on Saturday. 

“With his exuberance, his creativity, and his refusal to be anything other than himself, Little Richard laid the foundation for generations of artists to follow,” the “Becoming” author tweeted. 

Little Richard, born Richard Wayne Penniman, died of bone cancer, according to The Associated Press. He was born in Macon, Georgia, in 1932 and was one of 12 siblings.