Fats Domino: 1928-2017
Another music legend has gone to the great gig in the sky.
Groundbreaking R&B artist Fats Domino has died at age of 89. Domino’s passing was confirmed by his daughter to local TV outlet WWLTV, with a cause of death not yet known.
The New Orleans native’s influence on rock and roll is simply immeasurable with hits like “Blueberry Hill,” “I’m Walkin’” and “Ain’t That A Shame,” which are practically standards in the pantheon of rock and roll. Domino has also been covered by countless artists from Elvis Presley to Cheap Trick to John Lennon to Little Richard.
The accolades Domino amassed in his career are just as impressive as his influence.
- In 1986, he was part of the inaugural class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with Chuck Berry, James Brown, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and Elvis Presley.
- In 1987, he earned the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Domino also has had individual songs inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame including “Blueberry Hill” (1987), “Ain’t That A Shame” (2002), “Walking To New Orleans” (2011) and “The Fat Man” (2016.)
- In 1998, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts from then President Bill Clinton.
- In 2009, Domino was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
- In 2016, Domino was inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame along with The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick and Cathy Hughes.
Simply put, Fats Domino was a musical giant.
Erica Banas is a rock/classic rock blogger that loves the smell of old vinyl in the morning.
