Fats Domino

One of the biggest stars of the first wave of American rock and roll in the early 1950s, Antoine "Fats" Domino was a New Orleans-based singer and pianist who brought his city's loose, funky vibe to international audiences through such smash hits as "Ain't That a Shame," "Blueberry Hill" and "Walkin' to New Orleans." A professional performer since his teens, Domino began his recording career in 1949, but did not have a hit on the pop charts until 1955 with "Shame." Thirty-five Top 40 hits followed in its wake, establishing Domino as one of New Orleans' greatest musical ambassadors and one of rock's most successful pioneers. Though his music faded from the charts by the mid-1960s, he remained a popular figure on the touring circuit. The ebullience and joy of his best recordings also never lost their luster, which assured him immortality as long as new listeners wanted to hear great American music. His death on October 24, 2017 at the age of 89 occasioned international mourning from generations of fans and peers, especially in his hometown of New Orleans, where he had loomed over the local music scene like a Mardi Gras Zulu King for decades.