Fats Domino: New Orleans Favorite

In 1949, Imperial Records produced “The Fat Man”, the first rock and roll record, which featured a rolling piano with Domino doing wah-wah vocalizing. This record was a huge hit, and accomplished to sell more than one million copies and positioned itself in the number 2 place on the Billboard R&B Charts. “The Fat Man” was a reworking of “Junker’s Blues” by Champion Jack Dupree. Until today, Fat Domino has sold more than 110 million copies.

After this unexpected success, Domino got together with producer Dave Bartholomew, drummer Earl Palmer and saxophonist Alvin “Red” Tyler. The three of them together with some other great musicians, accomplished to release a number of great songs (“Ain’t That a Shame”, “Whole Lotta Loving”, “Blue Monday” and “The Big Beat”, among others) during a period of approximately ten years.

In the 1980s, Domino decided he would stay in New Orleans definitely. He did not like touring and managed a good income that came from royalties. Ever since, he had refused several invitations to many events outside the city. He lives in a mansion in a working class neighborhood, where he likes to drive his pink Cadillac. The only times he had performed have been at festivals within New Orleans, where he has demonstrated his talents are still alive.