The world of rock ‘n’ roll has lost a legend. Earlier this year, Antoine “Fats” Domino passed away at the age of 89 from natural causes, according to the Jefferson Parish Medical Examiner’s office in Louisiana. Domino’s death has ended an era of the soulful voice from Louisiana that captured the ears of the world.
Domino’s career started back in 1949 with “The Fat Man”; the first rock and roll single record to sell over a million copies and reached the number two spot on the rhythm and blues charts. After so much success with the song, Domino started going by the name “Fats Domino,” a tribute to his first record-breaking song. In the years that followed, Domino would rise to the top of the charts multiple times with other classic songs that featured his unique piano style and vocals such as “Blueberry Hill,” “I’m Walkin,” “Ain’t That A Shame” and “I’m Walking to New Orleans.”
“Blueberry Hill” was by far Domino’s greatest hit. He recorded the song in 1956, which had previously been recorded by other musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Gene Autry. The hit reached the second spot on the Top 40 list and the number one spot on the R&B charts where it stayed for 11 weeks. Domino continued to record new songs until the 1970s.
Domino’s music has been described previously as a distinct triplet-based piano style accompanied by vocals to match. This unique style influenced many other artists including musician Paul McCartney. Some of McCartney’s music share similar rhythm and style as Domino such as his 1999 album “Run Devil Run.”
In 1986, Domino received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement award and was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Domino also received The National Medal of Arts at the White House from President Bill Clinton in 1988. In 2007, Domino was awarded yet another honor from Offbeat Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Domino accepted the award in his hometown of New Orleans in the House of Blues. On the same day as the Offbeat Magazine award, the mayor of New Orleans, Ray Nagin, declared Jan. 12, 2007, “Fats Domino Day in New Orleans.”
Domino had a successful five-decade career in the music industry, entertaining millions with his unique rhythm and style of music. His take on Rock’n’Roll changed the way we perceive it today. In his own way, Domino rewrote the rules for Rock’n’Roll and his legacy will live on through the music he loved so much.
