MACON, Georgia (AP) -- Little Richard built some goodwill in his hometown when he donated almost half of his concert fees to settle concerns over who was paying the tab for his show.

Macon Mayor Jack Ellis had asked local business leaders to pick up the estimated $75,000 bill, but they said they weren't given enough time to come up with the money.

Little Richard, whose hits include "Tutti Frutti," "Long Tall Sally" and "Good Golly, Miss Molly," told the almost 5,000 people attending the free concert Saturday that he'll return a $30,000 portion of his fees.

"It's not a whole lot of money, but it's from the heart," he said.

Little Richard's picture appears on billboards promoting Macon, and a recording of his voice greets callers at the convention and visitor's bureau.

There are tentative plans to erect a statue for the music star in front of a local theater. During his concert, the 72-year-old singer gave the crowd a few specifics for the statue.

"I'd like you to have some water coming out of my hand and every time it comes out, I'd say, 'Shut up!'"

Also: Chewie Becomes an American