Fats Domino

Full Name: Antoine Dominique Domino Jr.
Profession: Singer and Pianist

Biography: Fats Domino was an American pianist and singer-songwriter, known for pioneering rhythm and blues and rock and roll music. He achieved widespread fame with hits like Ain't That a Shame, Blueberry Hill, and I'm Walkin'.

Domino's style appealed to a broad audience, making him one of the best-selling artists of the 1950s and helping to break down racial barriers in American popular music. He had more than three dozen Top 40 hits throughout the 1950s and early '60s. Reportedly selling over a hundred million records, he was second only to Elvis Presley, who publicly acknowledged Domino as a predecessor.

Born in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, Domino was heavily influenced by the city's rich musical culture. Almost entirely self-taught, Domino took inspiration from such artists as Meade Lux Lewis, Pinetop Smith and Amos Milburn, shaping a career that would last over five decades.

He began his recording career in the late 1940s, quickly gaining recognition for blending traditional blues with a strong backbeat, elements that would later be foundational in rock and roll. His collaboration with producer and songwriter Dave Bartholomew was particularly fruitful, resulting in many of his biggest hits.

Even after the heights of his career, he continued to perform, albeit less frequently, until the early 2000s. His contributions to American music have been acknowledged through numerous awards and honors, including being part of the first group to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

Born: February 26, 1928
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Dragon
Star Sign: Pisces

Died: October 24, 2017 (aged 89)
Cause of Death: Natural causes