Fats Domino, the legendary American rhythm-and-blues artist, left an indelible mark on the music industry by breaking down color barriers and paving the way for rock 'n' roll in the 1950s. Born Antoine Domino Jr. on February 26, 1928, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he became known as Fats due to his 220-pound frame.
As a teenager, Fats began playing piano and soon became a regular in Bill Diamond's band. His signature style – two-fisted barrel-house piano with triplets – later became ubiquitous in rock music. The song "The Fat Man," released in 1949, is considered one of the first rock 'n' roll songs.
Throughout his illustrious career, Fats Domino sold over 65 million records, outselling every 1950s act apart from Elvis Presley. He had more than 30 Top 40 hits between 1949 and 1963 and appeared on the R&B charts over 60 times. His impressive discography includes gold records, awarded for discs with sales exceeding one million.
Fats Domino's music transcended racial boundaries, appealing to a diverse audience that included many white people. This was particularly significant during a time of racial tensions, as his popularity helped facilitate musical integration and understanding.
Elvis Presley, who often covered Fats' songs, credited him as a huge influence on his early work. In fact, when asked about the label "The King" for himself, Presley famously rejected it, stating that Fats Domino was the real king of rock. Other notable artists, such as John Lennon and Paul McCartney, were also inspired by Fats' work.
Fats Domino's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, one of its first members, solidified his place in music history. His lifetime achievement Grammy award the following year further cemented his legacy.
Despite facing challenges, including the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which damaged his home and caused widespread flooding, Fats Domino remained a beloved figure in the music world until his passing on October 24, 2017., Fats Domino's remarkable journey serves as a testament to his ability to break down color barriers in the music industry. His innovative style, which blended rhythm-and-blues with rock 'n' roll, paved the way for future generations of musicians and helped shape the course of popular music.
Trivia:
- Fats Domino's nickname "Fats" was given to him as a teenager due to his 220-pound frame.
- He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
- Fats Domino sold more than 65 million records, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time.
References:
- Biography.com Editors. (2020). Fats Domino Biography. Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/musicians/fats-domino
- A&E; Television Networks. (2014). Rock Legend Fats Domino Dies At 89: A Look At His Career.