The singer died in his hometown of New Orleans
New Orleans singer/songwriter Antoine “Fats” Domino has died at the age of 89. His daughter confirmed the news with WWL-TV New Orleans news anchor and family friend Eric Paulson on Wednesday (Oct 25th) morning. The singer was in declining health in recent years and died peacefully overnight surrounded by his family.
The illusive singer retired from performing after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. His final public performance was at New Orlean’s Tipitina’s in 2007. He famously backed out of a performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2006, but made an appearance on stage to wave to thousands of fans who gathered to see him perform.
Domino was born February 27, 1928 and shot to fame in 1949 after dropping out of school to play piano in bars and clubs around the Deep South. He’s most famous for the songs “Blueberry Hill,” “Ain’t It A Shame,” “Walking to New Orleans” and “The Fat Man,” all of which were named to the Grammy Hall of Fame for their significance in music. Domino has inspired countless musicians including The Beatles and Elvis. In 1986, Billy Joel inducted Domino as one of the first members into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was also presented with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987.
Fats Domino. I knew the World was spinning right as longs as Fats was still in it.
Now I’m not so sure.Rock & Roll lost part of it’s soul
— Vernon Reid (@vurnt22) October 25, 2017
In Memoriam…Lost a HUGE talent in Fats Domino…Our Thoughts & Prayers Are With His Family, Friends & Fans…LOVED His Work…XX pic.twitter.com/WbvagMs8F9
— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) October 25, 2017
Rest in paradise to Fats Domino. He paved the way for so many. I remember listening to his music as a little boy. #Fatsdomino 🎶🎶
— LLCOOLJ (@llcoolj) October 25, 2017
RIP fats domino… you helped pave the way for new orleans piano players… see you on top of that blueberry hill in the sky ❤️🙏🏼❤️
— Harry Connick Jr (@HarryConnickJR) October 25, 2017
We lost a Rock and Roll legend today. Rest In Peace to the man Fats Domino!! Your music will live forever!!
— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) October 25, 2017
