Legendary singer Fats Domino passed away at his daughter’s home in Harvey, Louisiana on Tuesday (October 24). According to NPR, he died of natural causes at the age of 89.
Long considered one of the architects of rock ‘n’ roll, Fats (real name Antoine Domino, Jr.) penned songs like 1949’s “The Fat Man,” 1955’s “Ain’t That A Shame” and 1956’s “Blueberry Hill.” A remake of Vincent Rose’s original, “Blueberry Hill” was Fats’ biggest hit and stayed at #1 on the R&B chart for 11 weeks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbfMlk1PwGU
Known for his electric performances, the talented pianist made piano triplets omnipresent in rock music. Consequently, the New Orleans native was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 for his contributions to music.
After he lost everything in Hurricane Katrina, many people thought he had perished in the disaster. Someone even spray painted “RIP Fats. You will be missed” on his dilapidated house in 2005.
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Upon learning Fats had been rescued by the Coast Guard, President George W. Bush flew to Louisiana and personally replaced Fats’ National Medal of Arts in 2006. His 20 gold records were also replaced by the RIAA and Capitol Records in 2007.
Although he’d toured for many years, Fats eventually retreated from the spotlight, but returned for a couple of performances in 2007 and 2009.
Members of the Hip Hop community like Egyptian Lover, Questlove, LL Cool, Spike Lee and Touré took to social media to pay their respects.
