Words by Ime Ekpo
On Tuesday (October 25th), one of the most pivotal pioneers of the rock and roll music genre, Fats Domino passed away at the age of 89 from natural causes. While remaining true to his New Orleans origin, Domino became well noted for cozy baritone vocals, dashing piano plays, and matchless showmanship, as he’s infamous for playing the piano while standing. While managing to follow the beat, Fats would throw his frame against the piano and bump the instrument across the stage. Such electrifying performances put the white rock and roll audiences of the 1950s in awe, providing Fats with the opportunity to break barriers.
Domino burst into the white pop music charts with “Ain’t it a Shame” in 1955, which is one of many songs responsible for his 110 million record selling achievement, along with hits “I’m Walkin’,” “Shake, Rattle and Roll”, and his most acclaimed hit, “Blueberry Hill.”
Fats is one of the first Black performers to be featured on popular show bills starring Rock and Roll acts Buddy Holly and the Everly Brothers and has also been highly instrumental in bridging the gap between music genres in the likes of country/western.
Domino’s vision to enlighten the world about his super musical abilities did not cause him to abandon his hometown. The more fame he acquired, the more his desire to stay in New Orleans grew. The Rock ‘n’ Roll legend was living in New Orleans in 2005 during the time of Hurricane Katrina, in which he and his family were rescued by boat along with nearly lost valuables in the likes of three pianos and over twelve gold and platinum records.
“He could play jazz. He could play anything. He was one of the greatest entertainers that I’ve ever known,” fellow Rock ‘n’ Roll pioneer Little Richard reflects on the musical ability of Fats Domino to The Associated Press.
Domino’s success greatly influenced an abundance of Hip-Hop veterans due to his background as being a Black man with the gift of song who found his “thrill on blueberry hill.” Hip-Hop icons in the likes of LL Cool J, DJ Premier, Spike Lee, and much more took to social media to pay their respects to the rock ‘n’ roll legend. Take a look at some of the tribute posts, below.
