Profile of the Day: Fats Domino

Fats Domino

Today we remember music legend Fats Domino, who passed away at the age of 89. One of rock and roll’s earliest pioneers, Domino’s unique music style influenced generations of musicians.

He was born Antoine Domino, Jr. on February 26, 1928 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The eighth child of Antoine Caliste Domino and Marie-Donatille Gros, he was born in his family’s home with the assistance of his grandmother, who was a midwife. His family was Creole and spoke French Creole at home. Domino exhibited a talent for music at an early age. He was taught to play the piano by his brother-in-law, Harrison Verrett, who was a jazz musician. At 14, he quit school and worked at a factory while picking up jobs performing at clubs.

Between 1950 and 1960, Domino had a string of hits, including the songs “Ain’t It a Shame” and “Blueberry Hill.” Over the course of his career, Domino would sell over 110 million records and is often credited with selling more records than any other 1950s rocker except for Elvis Presley. In 1986, he became one of the first musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

RIP Fats Domino.
 

View Fats Domino’s Geni Profile

Image: Nationaal Archief, Wikimedia Commons