Fats Domino dies
MUSIC pioneer Fats Domino, who was lauded by Elvis Presley as “the real king of rock ’n’ roll”, has died at the age of 89 in New Orleans.
The US singer was best known for his 1950s hits Ain’t That A Shame and Blueberry Hill.
During a seven-decade career Domino sold more than 65 million records — outselling every 1950s rock ’n’ roll act except Presley.
He died from natural causes, the Louisiana coroner’s office said.
His family said the singer was surrounded by loved ones.
Renowned for being laidback and humble, he once said of himself: “I’m glad that people liked me and my music. I guess it was an interesting life. I didn’t pay much attention, and I never thought I’d be here this long.”
Born Antoine Domino Jr, he was one of the first rhythm and blues performers to attract a white audience.
Famed for his easy baritone voice and rhythmic piano playing, the 165cm, 90kg star was among the first inductees to the Rock ’n’ roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
The child of Haitian Creole plantation workers and the grandson of a slave, Domino grew up the youngest of eight siblings in a French-speaking house.
His first release, The Fat Man, became the first rock ’n’ roll record to sell more than a million copies. It is credited by some experts as a changing point in popular music.
From 1955-1963, Domino had 35 Top 40 US singles, including Whole Lotta Loving, Blue Monday and I’m in Love Again, and appeared in films including The Girl Can’t Help It in 1956.
Presley, who shot to fame around the same time as Domino, once said of him, “A lot of people seem to think I started this business, but rock ’n’ roll was here a long time before I came along. Let’s face it, I can’t sing it like Fats Domino can. I know that.”
In Las Vegas in 1969, Presley interrupted a reporter who had called him The King.
He pointed to Domino, who was in the room, and said, “There’s the real king of rock ’n’ roll.”
Domino was married for 60 years to Rosemary, who died in 2008. They had eight children.
In 2005, the family’s home in New Orleans was devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
Domino was rescued by a coast- guard helicopter after choosing to stay behind to look after his sick wife.
Paying tribute to the star, rapper LL Cool J said, “Rest in paradise to Fats Domino. He paved the way for so many. I remember listening to his music as a little boy. I found my thrill on Blueberry Hill, that line inspired me to dream.”