> people like us were grumbling about the trend of saying "right now" instead of just "now."

Coverdale Bible (1535), John IX, 27: "He answered them I tolde you right now."

There were few style/grammar cops in the 16th century, so I doubt anyone was grumbling.

OED shows related uses of "right" as far back as Old English, so "right now" must have been well established by 1500.