Fats Domino, a legendary musician known for his iconic hits like "Blueberry Hill" and "Walking to New Orleans," had his life turned upside down when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005. His home in New Orleans was destroyed, leaving him without a place to call his own. But even in the midst of disaster, Domino's spirit remained unbroken.
The Domino family was rescued by JaMarcus Russell, the starting quarterback of the Louisiana State University football team, and Fats' granddaughter's boyfriend. They took them to a Baton Rouge shelter before moving to an apartment provided by Russell, where they stayed for three nights on the couch. "We've lost everything," Domino said, according to The Washington Post.
As the months passed, efforts began to repair Domino's home and office. By January 2006, work had started, and the family was residing in Harvey, Louisiana. Meanwhile, Chenevert replaced the Southern Stars poster that Fats Domino had lost in Katrina, and President George W. Bush even made a personal visit to replace the medal awarded by President Bill Clinton.
Post-Katrina Activity
Domino's return to music was marked by an album release, "Alive and Kickin'," which benefited the Tipitina's Foundation, supporting indigent local musicians. The title song was recorded after Katrina, while most of the cuts were from unreleased sessions in the 1990s.
In January 2007, Domino received OffBeat magazine's Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Best of the Beat Awards held at House of Blues in New Orleans. New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin declared the day "Fats Domino Day in New Orleans" and presented Fats with a signed declaration. The event featured an all-star musical tribute, including performances by Lil' Band O' Gold rhythm section, Warren Storm, Kenny Bill Stinson, David Egan, C.C. Adcock, and many more.
Influence
Domino's influence on music extends beyond his own era. He was acknowledged as a significant inspiration for the 1960s and 1970s by top artists of that era. Paul McCartney reportedly wrote the Beatles song "Lady Madonna" in an emulation of Domino's style, combining it with a nod to Humphrey Lyttelton's 1956 hit "Bad Penny Blues," a record which Joe Meek had engineered.
Domino managed to return to the "Hot 100" charts one final time in 1968—with his own recording of "Lady Madonna." That recording, along with covers of two other Beatles songs, appeared on his Reprise LP "Fats Is Back," produced by Richard Perry and recorded by a band that included New Orleans piano player James Booker.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney later recorded Fats Domino songs. Domino's rhythm, accentuating the offbeat as in the song "Be My Guest," was an influence on ska music.
In May 2009, Domino made an unexpected appearance for The Domino Effect, a namesake concert aimed at raising funds to help rebuild schools and playgrounds damaged by Hurricane Katrina.
Legacy
Domino's legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians. His induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in September 2007 was a testament to his enduring impact on the music scene. He has also been inducted into the Delta Music Museum Hall of Fame in Ferriday and the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.
In an era marked by tragedy and loss, Fats Domino's perseverance and dedication to his craft serve as a shining example of the power of art to bring people together. His story is one that will be remembered for generations to come.