| Real Name: | Ernestine Campbell nee Harvin |
| Birthday: | October 31, 1935 - May 9, 2010 |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Height: | 167 cm |
| Occupation: | American Former Secretary, Ex-Wife of Little Richard |
Ernestine Harvin was an American woman who gained popularity as the wife of the late rock ‘n’ roll legend, Richard Wayne Penniman, better known as Little Richard. Born on October 31, 1935, she met Little Richard in 1957, and their relationship eventually led to marriage in 1959. Throughout their married life, Ernestine played a vital role in supporting and accompanying her husband through the highs and lows of his career.
However, their marriage faced challenges and ultimately resulted in divorce in 1964. Ernestine later found love in the form of McDonald Campbell, to whom she got married. In addition to her personal life, she gained recognition as a former Navy officer and secretary. Ernestine Harvin passed away on May 9, 2010.
During her marriage to Little Richard, the couple adopted a one-year-old boy named Danny Jones from a late church associate. This adoption marked the beginning of a close father-son relationship between Little Richard and Danny, who would later act as his father’s bodyguard. Even after the divorce, Ernestine maintained a connection to her former husband and his son.
Content Compass
Early Life and Background
Birth and Upbringing
Ernestine Harvin was born on October 31, 1935, in Washington, D.C., United States, making her an American by nationality. Her upbringing remains largely unknown due to a lack of available information, but she was of mixed ethnicity. As she grew up, Ernestine developed a strong connection with her faith and participated in religious events.
Education and Career Beginnings
Information regarding Ernestine’s education is scarce, but it is known that she met her future husband, Little Richard, at an evangelical rally in October 1957 where she was a Bible student. In the field of her professional career, she worked as a secretary before entering the public limelight as the wife of the renowned musician Little Richard. The couple married on July 12, 1959, and remained together until their divorce in 1964.
Relationship with Little Richard
Meeting and Marriage
Ernestine Harvin met Little Richard, born as Richard Wayne Penniman, at a religious rally in 1957. At that time, Ernestine was a secretary from Washington DC. The couple got married in 1959 and adopted a boy named Danny Jones Penniman. Their marriage, however, came to an end as they divorced in 1964.
Public Life and Private Struggles
During their marriage, Ernestine and Little Richard faced some challenges. Little Richard’s career had a significant impact on their relationship, with his sexuality being a source of tension between them. As a neglectful husband, Richard’s behavior ultimately led to their divorce. Despite their differences, they managed to remain friends until later in Richard’s life.
Ernestine Harvin was a private person and information about her net worth is not publicly available. Little Richard, on the other hand, had an estimated net worth ranging from $40 million to $70 million at the time of his death.
Impact on Music and Culture
Influence as a Musician’s Wife
Ernestine Harvin, the wife of the late Little Richard (Richard Wayne Penniman), had a unique presence in the music industry as the partner of an iconic musician. Little Richard is often considered a pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll, and his music has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Although Ernestine was not a musician herself, she supported Richard throughout their marriage and was an essential part of his life during his rise to stardom.
During their relationship, beginning with their meeting in 1957 all the way until their marriage in 1959, Ernestine accompanied Richard to numerous events and shows. In this way, she became an integral part of his public life, contributing to his celebrity status. She witnessed firsthand the impact of his music and career, and understood the importance of her role as his wife in providing stability, love, and support.
Advocacy and Support
Ernestine’s unwavering support of her husband’s career is unquestionable. She stood by his side during the various ups and downs he experienced, such as his struggles with substance abuse and the inner turmoil he faced while reconciling his faith with his lifestyle. Despite the challenges that came with being a musician’s wife in the spotlight, she maintained her loyalty and dedication to their relationship.
Moreover, Ernestine’s support also extended to her husband’s legacy after his death in 2020. She participated in documentaries, interviews, and other mediums to preserve his memory and ensure that future generations understand the crucial role Little Richard played in shaping rock ‘n’ roll and the music industry as a whole.
Ernestine Harvin’s influence on the music and culture sphere may be secondary to that of her husband, Little Richard, but her dedication, love, and support played an outstanding role in his career and legacy. Her impact will always be remembered as part of the incredible story of the iconic musician, Little Richard.
Life After Separation from Little Richard
Second Marriage
After her separation from Little Richard in 1964, Ernestine Harvin found love again and married Mcdonald Campbell. The couple has managed to maintain a low profile, but it is known that they settled down in California and currently reside in Santa Barbara. The years have strengthened their bond, and Ernestine has continued to live a more private life away from the limelight.
Personal Growth and Endeavors
Ernestine’s life took a different path after her divorce. She shifted her focus to personal growth and pursued new interests. Though specific details about her endeavors are scarce, it is evident that Ernestine led a meaningful and fulfilling life. During her time with Little Richard, the couple had adopted a son named Danny Jones. Following their separation, Ernestine played an instrumental role in her son’s upbringing and ensured that he had a stable and loving environment to grow in.
In summary:
- Ernestine Harvin separated from Little Richard in 1964.
- She married Mcdonald Campbell and settled in Santa Barbara, California.
- Ernestine focused on personal growth after the divorce and played a significant role in her adopted son Danny Jones’ life.
Notable Events and Public Appearances
Appearances at Events
Ernestine Harvin, the wife of the late rock and roll legend Little Richard (Richard Wayne Penniman), met her husband at an evangelical rally in 1957. Both Little Richard and Ernestine had a shared interest in religion and attended this rally. This event became a significant milestone in their lives, as they got married on July 12, 1959.
Although they didn’t have biological children together, Ernestine Harvin raised Little Richard’s adopted son, Danny Jones. Danny Jones often accompanied Ernestine during public appearances and events related to his father’s illustrious career.
While mainly staying out of the limelight herself, Ernestine Harvin supported her husband’s career as a singer, who helped define the early rock ‘n’ roll era of the 1950s. Her presence by his side during events became a testament to their bond, despite the challenges they faced in their relationship.
During their time together, Ernestine Harvin attended various events and award ceremonies, playing the role of a supportive partner. Although there is limited information available on specific events and appearances she made, Ernestine’s presence in Little Richard’s life was undoubtedly essential for him, both personally and professionally.
Legacy and Memory
Remembrance by Fans and Family
Ernestine Harvin was an American celebrity who gained fame for her marriage to Richard Wayne Penniman, better known as Little Richard. Born on October 31, 1935, Ernestine met Little Richard in 1957 and got married to him on July 12, 1959. Their relationship sadly came to an end as they ultimately got divorced in 1964.
Throughout their time together, the couple adopted a 1-year-old son, Danny Jones Penniman, who remained an important part of Little Richard’s life until his death. Ernestine passed away on May 9, 2010, at the age of 75 in Media, Delaware County, PA.
In terms of biographical accounts, “The Life and Times of Little Richard” is a notable book that captures the musical journey of Little Richard and by extension, talks about his marriage with Ernestine Harvin. Fans and family alike cherish the memories of Ernestine through this biography, as it provides a glimpse into their relationship.
Ernestine’s life was far from being solely defined by her marriage to Little Richard. She was deeply religious, having met Little Richard while being a Bible student at church. Her devout nature continues to be remembered by those who knew her, as a woman of strong faith and values.
Although Ernestine’s death was a significant loss to those who loved her, her story lives on in the hearts and minds of those who continue to appreciate Little Richard’s enduring musical legacy and understand the role she played in his life. Even after the couple’s divorce and Little Richard’s passing, Ernestine’s memory remains a significant part of his history, honoring the love and support she provided during their time together.