Ernestine Harvin Campbell: The Life of Little Richard’s Wife

Ernestine Harvin Campbell was an American secretary best known for her marriage to Little Richard, the legendary rock and roll star. Born on October 31, 1935, in Washington, D.C., Ernestine lived a life that remained mostly out of the public eye, especially when compared to her husband’s fame. Despite being married to one of the most influential figures in music history, she preferred privacy over attention.

Her connection to Little Richard placed her in the spotlight for a brief period, but she largely stayed away from fame’s glare. Ernestine Harvin Campbell’s life, while intertwined with the iconic rock and roll era, was marked by her low-key approach to celebrity life, making her story a quiet but important part of the history behind Little Richard’s impact on music.

Profile Summary

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Ernestine Harvin Campbell
Date of Birth	October 31, 1935
Place of Birth	Washington, D.C., United States
Profession	Secretary
Famous For	Being the wife of Little Richard
Marriage	Married to Little Richard in 1959, divorced in 1964
Children	Adopted Danny Jones Penniman in 1984
Later Life	Remarried in 1975, lived a private life
Date of Passing	May 9, 2010
Legacy	Known for her quiet, private life and connection to Little Richard

Early Life and Background

Ernestine Harvin Campbell was born on October 31, 1935, in Washington, D.C. Not much is known about her early years because she kept a low profile, especially when compared to the spotlight her husband, Little Richard, was in. She was not interested in the public eye and maintained a modest lifestyle. While Little Richard was making waves in the 1950s rock stars scene, Ernestine stayed out of the limelight, focusing on her work as a secretary.

Though Ernestine Harvin never sought fame, she became part of rock and roll history the moment she married Little Richard. As the wife of Little Richard, she faced the challenges of being married to someone who was not just famous, but a rock and roll icon. Her quiet nature and desire for celebrity privacy stood in stark contrast to the chaotic and public life that Little Richard led.

Meeting Richard

Ernestine Harvin Campbell and Little Richard met in California in October 1957 at an evangelical rally. At that time, Little Richard was already gaining fame with hits like “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally.” Their relationship grew quickly, and within a couple of years, they were married. Their marriage on July 12, 1959, was a significant event in both of their lives.

This union was the only legal marriage for Little Richard, and it marked the start of a turbulent chapter in their lives. Their relationship, while filled with love, would soon face challenges as Little Richard’s fame and the pressures of the music industry challenges began to take a toll on their marriage.

Marriage and Challenges

The marriage between Ernestine Harvin and Little Richard lasted about five years, from 1959 to 1964. The couple faced numerous difficulties, as being married to a rock and roll star often meant coping with constant public scrutiny of celebrities. Ernestine struggled with her husband’s celebrity lifestyle, finding it hard to deal with the attention and the pressure that came with it. She valued her privacy, which was difficult to maintain in such a high-profile marriage.

In 1964, the couple divorced, and Little Richard later revealed that the marriage faced struggles from the pressures of fame and his own personal life. Marriage challenges in the spotlight took a toll, and Little Richard’s regrets about marriage would surface in later years. He admitted that his fame and sexuality struggles affected his relationship with Ernestine Harvin. Despite their differences, they shared many happy memories during their time together.

Children and Adoption

While Ernestine Harvin Campbell and Little Richard did not have any biological children, they decided to adopt Danny Jones Penniman, the son of one of Richard’s long-time friends, Creola Jones. Danny Jones Penniman became a central figure in their lives, especially after the tragic loss of his biological father. This act of adoption in celebrity families showed a softer side to Ernestine, as she became a mother figure to Danny.

Under Little Richard’s guidance, Danny learned important life lessons, especially about self-control and financial independence. Ernestine and Richard raised him together, providing him with a stable home, and Danny would later join Little Richard on his tours, often acting as a bodyguard.

Ernestine’s Later Years

After her divorce from Little Richard, Ernestine Harvin Campbell largely stepped away from the public eye. She remarried in 1975 to McDonald Campbell, but details of her second marriage are scarce. Ernestine’s private life was something she protected fiercely, choosing not to share it with the world.

Unlike Little Richard, who remained in the public eye, Ernestine Harvin Campbell’s later years were spent away from the spotlight. She kept her life personal and lived a peaceful existence, far from the chaos that came with being married to a famous celebrity. Ernestine Harvin’s later years were reflective, marking a life of simplicity after the whirlwind of marriage to one of rock and roll’s most famous faces.

Legacy and Richard’s Reflections

In a 2017 interview, Little Richard expressed regret about his divorce from Ernestine Harvin Campbell. He spoke candidly about the impact that fame and music legends’ families had on their marriage. Despite the difficulties they faced, Little Richard acknowledged that their marriage was filled with love. His reflections on their time together and the lessons learned from their marriage were filled with emotion and regret.

Though their marriage was short-lived, Ernestine Harvin Campbell’s legacy remains tied to Little Richard’s life and the history of rock and roll. Richard’s reflections on his marriage showcase a different side of the man behind the rock and roll icon persona, a man who loved deeply but struggled with the complexities of fame.

Conclusion

Ernestine Harvin Campbell’s life story may not be as widely recognized as Little Richard’s, but her role in his life is undeniable. She was more than just the wife of Little Richard; she was a woman who navigated the complexities of celebrity marriage with grace and dignity. Despite the public scrutiny of celebrities, she valued her privacy and lived life on her own terms.

Her legacy is intertwined with Little Richard’s impact on the music world, and her role as his wife adds depth to the story of one of rock and roll’s most iconic figures. Ernestine Harvin Campbell will always be remembered for her quiet strength and her ability to stay true to herself amidst the challenges of being married to one of music’s legends.

FAQ’s

Who is Ernestine Harvin Campbell?

Ernestine Harvin Campbell was the wife of Little Richard, known for her private life as a secretary, away from the limelight.

How long were Ernestine Harvin and Little Richard married?

Ernestine Harvin and Little Richard were married for about five years, from 1959 to 1964, before they divorced.

Did Ernestine Harvin Campbell have children?

While Ernestine Harvin Campbell didn’t have biological children, she adopted Danny Jones Penniman, Little Richard’s close friend’s son.

What were the challenges in Ernestine’s marriage to Little Richard?

The marriage faced significant challenges, mainly due to the pressures of fame and public scrutiny of celebrities, as well as Little Richard’s personal struggles.

What happened to Ernestine Harvin Campbell after her divorce?

After the divorce, Ernestine Harvin Campbell kept a low profile and remarried in 1975, living a quiet life away from the spotlight.