Little Richard Asks Fans For Prayers After Surgery

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Little Richard is asking fans to pray
for his speedy recovery after undergoing hip surgery at a Tennessee hospital.

The Rev. Bill Minson, a family friend, says the Rock and Roll
Hall of Famer had been in some pain leading up to the surgery but continued to maintain a rigorous performing schedule.

Minson says the 76-year-old asked him to tell fans "to get
ready to rock 'n' roll with him in the new year because he's coming back strong."

The Macon, Ga., native now lives in Tennessee. He is recovering
at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.