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Fats Domino

1928 - 2017

BORN

1928

DIED

2017

Fats Domino Obituary

Fats Domino, the early rock 'n' roll superstar who sang enduring songs including "Blueberry Hill," died Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017, according to multiple news sources. He was 89.

"Blueberry Hill" was Domino's biggest hit, occupying the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Rhythm and Blues Chart for 11 weeks in 1956. But the New Orleans native recorded several other well-known songs before and after "Blueberry Hill" sealed his fame, along the way profoundly influencing the development of rock 'n' roll with his rolling piano and suggestive lyrics.

1950's "The Fat Man" was one of his early tracks, the first rock 'n' roll song to sell 1 million copies. "Ain't That a Shame," a rocker that Domino performed in the 1956 movie "Shake, Rattle and Rock!," enjoyed moderate chart success before it was eclipsed by Pat Boone's watered-down cover version. "I'm Walkin'" was another R&B chart-topper in 1957, which Ricky Nelson covered that same year.

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Born Antoine Domino Jr. Feb. 26, 1928, the son of French Creole parents, Domino grew up around music, watching his father play violin and learning piano from his brother-in-law. He spoke Louisiana Creole French before he learned English and was performing in New Orleans by the time he was 10. He was discovered by bandleader Billy Diamond while still in his teens, playing at a backyard barbecue. Domino joined Diamond's band and got his first taste of musical success.

After an impressive string of singles in the 1950s, Domino continued to chart modestly in the 1960s, releasing songs including "Red Sails in the Sunset" and a cover of the Beatles' "Lady Madonna," a tribute that must have been satisfying to a band that was influenced by the rock pioneer and even reportedly wrote that song in Domino's style. "Ain't That a Shame" was the first song John Lennon learned to play on the guitar, and both Lennon and Paul McCartney covered Domino songs in their solo careers.

Domino was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in its 1986 inaugural group. Despite his legendary status, by the 1980s he was living by choice in a working-class neighborhood of New Orleans, opting to stay in the city that was home rather than touring extensively.

When 2005's Hurricane Katrina hit Domino's neighborhood hard, he chose to stay in the city with his ailing wife. A Coast Guard helicopter rescued Domino several days after Katrina's landfall. He stated that his family "lost everything" in the disaster, and they lived in nearby Harvey, Louisiana, while their home was gutted and rehabbed. The work was helped by proceeds from a tribute album to Domino, "Goin' Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino," featuring covers of his songs by musicians including McCartney, Willie Nelson and Elton John.

Domino won a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement in 1987, and he was honored with the National Medal of Arts, which President Bill Clinton presented to him in 1998. Domino was No. 25 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" in 2004. He was a member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and the Delta Music Hall of Fame.

Domino was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary, in 2008.
Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Oct. 25, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Fats Domino

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655 Entries

vic tillinghast

April 25, 2024

fats: r I p

Jessie Borden

April 19, 2024

My Condolences to the family. Earth has know sorrow that Heaven can't heal.

Debbie Trethewey

October 27, 2020

R.I.P Thank you for the music

April 3, 2020

My condolences to the family. He really had a fascinating career. I loved Bluebery hill and Ain't that a Shame. These are the ones, I am familiar with. He loved his wife.Loved the fact, he stayed home with her, in stead of touring, while she was I'll. Many artist sang his songs, because they were good. May the God of Comfort, continue to comfort the family.

April 21, 2019

MILLIONS OF CANDLES FOR HIM!

ANNETTE DAVIES

April 21, 2019

I GREW UP AS A YOUNG SKINNY WHITE GIRL OFT THE 50'S .. CAME HOME FROM SCHOOL TO WATCH AMERICAN BANDSTAND, BEFORE DOING HOMEWORK, AND FATS DOMINO TOUCHED MY SOUL THEN, AS HE STILL DOES TO THIS DAY. I WAS FORTUNATE TO SEE HIM IN CONCERT AT A SMALL VENEU IN DETROIT CALLED THE RED GARTER, I WISH FOR JUST ONE HOUR I COULD RELIVE THAT SWEEET FACE, THAT SWEET SMILE, THAT SWEET TVOICE ... OH WHAT A PRICE I WOULD PAY TO SEE HIM AGAIN!

Laura Dial

December 11, 2018

Ain't that a shame...I was born in 58...knew your voice forever.. didn't hear you left us.

Evelyn Guidichessi

November 3, 2018

Fats I saw you in Las Vegas but I can't remember what yr!!! You were soooo good!!!!! Loved your music!!!

John NIGRO

October 23, 2018

To the family of Fats Domino, thanks for all the memories I have of sharing his songs with my dance partners and love of my life! Still rock to his music at age 79!

Larry Hysmith

May 26, 2018

I will always remember you I have all you music And been to 3 concerts see you in Heaven

Bill Jahnke

April 19, 2018

kirby stanfield

March 20, 2018

to the family of the great late mr fats domino i extend my warmest and deepest sympathy. i love all of his music. and still trying to learn to play it. i think ive got blueberry hill but i play it allmost every day god bless the whole family.

March 12, 2018

Fats Domino was national treasure, there's no one like him and will never be again. I love you Fats and I love your music. I know heaven got another angel. B, Diggs (BR Louisiana)

R Perry

February 20, 2018

He had the greastest music. Fats was a legend of his time.

Bill Leikam

February 11, 2018

He helped me through my teenage years with his songs

Tom Fraker

February 11, 2018

A Spiritual Giant a band of untouchable musicians

Mildred McChesney

February 5, 2018

We were white kids in St. Louis County Mo. We listened to the Black radio station KATZ. We loved Fats Domino. So happy Fats had a long and successful life.

Carolyn Bigler Hebert

January 29, 2018

You performed at the Pleasure Pier Ballroom after our class prom, TJ class of 1958. Oh what a night! I treasure your autograph and Bartholomew's. Your music will live on forever!!!

Allan Kenobbie

January 28, 2018

loved his music, and songs.

Coral Sansoucie

January 18, 2018

A great legend that will forever be missed dearly by the world. Rest in peace and sleep with the Angels

Mudrooroo Nyoongah

January 14, 2018

From when I stated listening to Rhythm and Blues Fats has always been my number choice. I loved his music and arrangements. I'll listen to him so often.

David Trail

January 7, 2018

Fats Domino, one of the greatest musicians ever. He had so many great songs but my favorite was "Walking to New Orleans"! I have been listening to his music over 50 years. May God bless you Mr. Domino and your family.. D. Trail

Angelique Piaf Bordeaux

January 1, 2018

I've loved and adored you forever, Mr. Fats Domino, and I always will. I know you're in a better place, my Priests at Saint Patrick's and I
have always believed that. And I also know you're finally reunited with your wife, never to be separated again.
And Thank You very much for all the beautiful songs and your piano playing.
You've always brought me more happiness and pleasure then you'll ever know.
Oceans Of Love, Angelique.

Your son Fat..your twin..we all habe your nose Terry Harper

Nikki Harper

December 19, 2017

Nikki Harper

December 19, 2017

Sorry we never got to meet in person, but I know that our spirits and energy had connected before your passing. I love you grandfather. I feel you all the time. One day soon I will call upon you for amswers my loveRespect

Raquel

December 3, 2017

Raquel

Paula Slumkoski

December 2, 2017

A true legend and phenomenal musician who paved the way in New Orleans. Thank you❤ Fats we love you❤ Sending sincere condolences to your family

December 2, 2017

You will be missed but never forgotten. Heaven will be rockin'. Rest in peace.
Frank Rossi

John Toebes

November 30, 2017

From the time I was twelfe years old I collect all the music of my favorite artist "Fats Domino and now I'm 72 years old. Fats, my favorite for whole my life and I love him and his music so much.

Fats, thank you so much for all that beautifull music.

Rest in Peace

Aidan Dunbar

November 29, 2017

R.I.P Fats, a true rock n roll legend. I grew up listening to you as my Dad was a huge fan from he was 5 year old in the 50's right through until his finally day. Not a day went by that he didn't sing one of your songs. Even at the funeral we had Whiskey Heaven.

Gone but never forgotten x

Barbara Miller

November 28, 2017

Time heals all wounds. Bishop Marjie Rayford. BLM

Richard and Effie Moore

November 27, 2017

A great New Orleans icon will be sadly missed. Thank you very much for your most memorable legacy. Family you are in our prayers and thoughts.

Shreen Romain

November 27, 2017

What a Great Man and a Super Star Singer and performer, we are so very lucky to have had you born in our city and lived in our city, sadly missed but wonderful memories always of you.......

Rhea Joseph Dokes and Family

November 25, 2017

To the Domino Family:

Our sincerest condolences, prayers and love to each of you. Dad is now resting in the Arms of Jesus Christ and Perfectly Healed. I hold many treasured memories of The Domino family, while growing up at 1805 Caffin Avenue (the next block from your family). I remember one Christmas holiday, I heard someone playing the piano (and I knew it was not my Mom). Tipped down the stairs and it was Bro. Domino; my cousin, Russell Watson had brought him. The most recent treasured memory is when Bro. Domino accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized at Branch Bell Baptist Church. A true and cherished legacy that came out of the Lower 9th Ward. May his memory be a testimony; continue holding to God's Unchanging Hand.

Love you All

Carol Jolly-Tripps

November 25, 2017

R.I.P. My condolences to the Domino family.

Jerry Morgan Sr

November 22, 2017

One in a Gazillion/love you.Will miss you ,your Music & those Pies

November 22, 2017

Fats was one of our favorite rock n roll singers; Blueberry Hill was the best! Our condolences to the family. We look forward to a time when there will be no more tears, pain and death. May the God of peace comfort you during this time of loss.

Mona Senegal

November 21, 2017

Thanks for the wonderful music may you rest in peace

Mando Ramos

November 20, 2017

Grew up listening to your music mr. Domino as a child my mother had the radio and tape on full blast to your music I am 39 years old and I am a big fan and will be a big fan for the rest of my life of your music thank you thank you.

Peter o Olivier

November 20, 2017

Rip fats

Carolyn Vance

November 19, 2017

Will always remember Mr Domino's great music from my teenage years. just loved all of it from the fifties and sixties and we both shared the same birthdate RIp Mr Domino.

Landis Domino

November 18, 2017

Rest in peace family

Reynolds Larry

November 17, 2017

I will truly miss this great rhythm+ blues star. I have been listening to his music even when he played with Dave Bartholomew I have every record he has ever made. I loved his Boogie Woogie Blues piano style. There will never be another Fats.
Larry Reynolds Gaffney S.C.

Beverley Eddy

November 16, 2017

Just lost my own sweet music "Man from Gumboland" on October 10th at 5:32PM PST, my best friend for 22 years. His birthday was also February 26th. Your father's music had a permanent place in the car stereo because we both loved his piano playing the most, pure sunshine in our hearts. His music will be a comfort to you forever, just as it will always bring joy to others.

Emelda Kador

November 14, 2017

Anola, Adonica, Anatol my condolences to your whole family. The entire St David family has your family in prayer. I loved your father's music. Your father was a good family man. Emelda Kador Atlanta, Georgia

CATHERINE /JOSEPH SIMON

November 13, 2017

TO THE FAMILY OF ANTOINE DOMINO JR: LOT OF LOVES AND PRAYERS : FAT DOMINO WAS GREAT FRIEND TO MY BROTHER IN LAW' RICHARD (RICADO) SIMON III ; FROM CHILDHOOD ; RAISE UP TOGETHER; WITH BOTH PARENTS IN THE CHURCH OF ST DAVID CATHOLIC CHURCH ; BE BLESS DOMINO 'FAMILY!

Paula K.

November 13, 2017

I am so sorry on the loss of my favorite entertainer, Fats. I loved to listen to his singing and the way he turned to the audience and showed his cute chubby cheeks. May it comfort you to know that he will return to the days of his youthful vigor as promised at
Job 33:25.

ALFRED AND TROYLYN CRAYTON -JEFFERSON SR. & FAMILY

November 13, 2017

To the Domino family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all daily. "fats' was MR. NEW ORLEANS from his music to his smile a legend that will be missed but his music will always be with us in our hearts and mind. R.I.P. "FATS". 9th ward 4-life.

Annie Goines

November 12, 2017

May sweet memory of your love one bring smiles on your face even through tears.His music will live in our hearts forever.
Annie Goines ,Decatur,Georgia.

Rosalie Ambrose & Family

November 12, 2017

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted
Always in our thoughts,
Forever in our hearts

Gladys & Titus Ambrose

November 12, 2017

My condolence to family and friends for your lost may the God of comfort be with you during your grief.

Dawn Washington

November 12, 2017

To the family of Mr. Domino, thank you for sharing such a gifted soul with all of us. My condolences go out to you, friends,and thousands of fans. I will always smile whenever I hear Fats' songs.

Josh and terrye Gilman

November 12, 2017

God bless your soul king ! You are now free from pain and sorrow, love to your family! And myself included as your friend also, one more second line in your honor, I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Thanks for the music ! RIP

Terrye Fleetwood

November 12, 2017

Thanks for the love and all the wonderful music and memories
The second line was an amazing tribute, I never knew a man so gentle and down to earth . We are all better pm have him in our life RiP sweet man of music fame. New Orleans loves you! Lives in you!

November 11, 2017

R.I.P
Robert McFadden (Los Angeles, CA)

November 11, 2017

TO THE FAMILY OF FATS DOMINO;


YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ONE OF THE WORLDS GREATEST ENTERTAINERS. MY HUSBAND IS A MUSIC BUFF WHO GREW UP LISTENING TO CHUCK BERRY, FATS DOMINO, LITTLE RICHARD AND MANY MORE FROM THAT ERA. MR. DOMINO'S SONG (BLUE BERRY HILL) IS A BLUES CLASSIC THAT WILL BE APART OF MUSIC HISTORY FOR ALL ETERNITY. HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED BY ALL.

MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED ON IN DEATH, GOD KEEPS IN HIS MEMORY BECAUSE ALL ARE PRECIOUS IN HIS EYES. (PSALMS 116:15)

SINCERELY YOURS,

EDO, ILLINOIS

Harvey&Deborah Banks

November 11, 2017

Rest in peace till we meet again!

Günther Bruns

November 11, 2017

R I P

Cecelia M Crouchet

November 9, 2017

May you Rest In Peace dear Fats.
Thank you for the great memories of my teen years. I love your songs still to this day❤

BETTYANN CAPOGRECO

November 9, 2017

DEAREST FATS

A[N'T THAT A SME YOU LEFT US.

LOVE, BETTYANN.

James Nguru

November 9, 2017

Fats was a remarkably blessed man who has left behind great works of music to entertain the world he has left behind. RIP fats till we meet again !

Clifford and Lori Martin

November 7, 2017

Words cannot begin to express our sorrow, your family are in our prayers.

Doris Cook

November 7, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

November 6, 2017

I grew up with his music what a voice
May his soul R I P

Ryder McFadden

November 6, 2017

Fats inspired me to start playing piano at about age 8 or 9. I'm 18 now and the first song I ever learned to play was Blueberry Hill. YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED FATS.

Ezeko & Rossy

November 6, 2017

Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends .May God grant you strength, as you reflect on His promise to do away with sickness and death forever. (Isaiah 33;24 & 25:8). We all are looking forward to a time when death will be SWALLOWED up forever. He was such a talented musician, I really enjoyed his music on "Blueberry Hit "

Pam Atencio

November 5, 2017

I was really sadden to hear about the passing of Fats Domino. I really enjoyed his song "Blueberry Hill" his voice was one of the classics. May his family find comfort in prayer and may God bring his family peace of mind these next couple of years. (Numbers 6:26)

Sylvia Price

November 5, 2017

Mr Rock and Roll, Mr New Orleans R.I.P. Fats✝

Carlatta Cole Jones

November 4, 2017

Domino family
Always remember the good times with Fats. Our native brother Vacherie.Louisiana PIP play in peace.
Carlatta Cole Jones
Gonzales/Vacherie, LA.

SHERRY RICHARD

November 4, 2017

WHEN I HEARD THE NEwS OF FAT'S PASSING I WAS
vISITING NEW ORLEANS. THE FIRST THING I DID WAS CALL MY GRAND DAUGHTER ONE DAY SHE ASKED ME TO CALL WOTD AND TELL SHERMAN NOT ASK
HIM TO PLAY I'M WALKING TO NEW ORLEANS SHE WAS VISITING NOLA FROM MN SHE WAs 11 YRS OLD SO WHEN SHE GOT MARRIED I SANG THAT SONG SHE SAID THANKS GRANDMA SHERRY THATS
MY FAVORITE SONG I MOVED TO MN AFTER KATRINA BUT WHENEVER I GET WITH MY GRAND
DAUGHTERS THE FIRST SONG I HAVE TO PLAY IS WALKING TO NEW ORLEANS TO THE FAMILY YOU WERE BLESSED TO HAVE HAD SUCH A GREAT ICON IN YOUR LIVES SO WAS THE REST OF US SO RIP FAT'S
YOU'V BLESSED US NOW IT'S YOUR TIME TO BE BLESSED MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY

Celia Harris

November 4, 2017

Sending a prayer of acceptance to Gods Will & the continuous strength to the family of a GREAT legend
MR. FATS DOMINO. He will be truly missed by you his loved ones, friends & his musical fans, BUT HE will never ever be forgotten because he left his music, songs & lyrics embedded in our hearts, mind, souls & our musical instruments. Fats Domino Legacy will forever live on and on. You are at peace. Much L❤VE

JOSEPH CUTCHINS JR

November 4, 2017

A wonderful Person and an awesomely inspiring talent. I'm thankful that I've lived under the influence of his music for over sixty years. RIHP My Brother.

Mary Green

November 4, 2017

My Deepest Condolences to the family of Fats Domino May you find Comfort in knowing that others Share your Sorrow with you. Take Comfort in knowing that God keeps those who dies in his memory because they are precious in his eyes, Psalm 116:15

Shawn Bivens

November 4, 2017

I loved Fats Domino and the life and contributions he gave to society!!! May his works be remembered throughout America and the rest of the world!!

Giovany Russ

November 3, 2017

New orleans has lost one of its own fats domino you will always be remembered rest in heaven there got to be a great concert goin on in the sky

November 3, 2017

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Gloria Terrell

November 3, 2017

Rest and peace Fat Dominio you are in haven singing all aroud your family have my deepest sympart give them strenght

Charlene Moore

November 3, 2017

My thoughts n prayers going out to the family of "Fats" .... He was quite a musician n I grew up on his music ... He will truly be missed by all... May you rest in Peace , and you will always be remembered !!!

Valenda Newell

November 3, 2017

"FATS" .....Thanks for all the great music u blessed the world with, legends r never forgotten because one's music will b played for an eternity.....PRAYERS and BLESSINGS to family and friends

November 3, 2017

To our dear cousin Antoine, we offer our sincere condolences to you, your family and friends. May you rest in peace. Nou renmen ou. Bondye beni ou.
The Gross, Paul and Johnson families.
-Roda Johnson (Florida)

Archie Keyser

November 2, 2017

You will always be in the heart of every New Orleanian. Black and white were brought together in your music. May you rest in peace and sing in Heaven until we meet at that concert in the sky. Until then the Saints are doing a second line in Heaven.

John Lambert

November 2, 2017

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Kitty & Joe Julian

November 2, 2017

Fats Domino may have left the building but his wonderful music will live on forever. Our sincer condolences to his family. R.I.P. FATS

Kitty & Joe Julian

November 2, 2017

Fats Domino may have left the building but his wonderful music will stay with us forever. Our sincer condolences to his family. R.I.P. FATS

Jeane Blankenship

November 2, 2017

Fats, may you rest in peace. May you dance on those streets of gold with your beloved Rose Mary. And, may the Lord bless your family. As a teen, I spent every penny of my allowance on records. I bought all of yours. You provided hours of pure joy & entertainment to me & my friends. The last time I saw you in person was at Dean Goss Dinner Theater in Houston. I spoke with you backstage. You spoke of Elvis. You were so humble & unassuming. The show was great, along with Dave & all of the horns. That was in the '80's. Thanks for the memories!

Gloria Wallace

November 2, 2017

Rip. Fats

Claudia Miller

November 1, 2017

"Geniuses are the luckiest of mortals because what they must do is the same as what they most want to do" - W.H. Auden
Rest in Peace

Madeline Aubert Gex

November 1, 2017

Mr. Fats Domino, you are indeed a legend whose music is timeless and definitive of that New Orleans beat. My mother listened to you when I was a little girl, and so I grew up listening to and loving your music also, which I passed along to my son - who was singing "Hit the Road, Jack" as a toddler in daycare. You will be missed by millions.

Hadiyah E Abdul-Mateen

November 1, 2017

To Anola and the rest of the Domino family I'm sending my condolences on behalf of the Edmond family from St. David School back in the day. May your father Rest In Peace and May God continue to bless all of you! Love, Cynthia Edmond aka Hadiyah Abdul-Mateen

C Perry

November 1, 2017

John 6:40 God promises wonderful opportunities for our loved one who pass away. May you find comfort in the holy writings.

Joanne Leman

November 1, 2017

Loved your music. Now you in the hands of God. Rest In Peace

P Houlemard

November 1, 2017

All of my life my Dad talked of his good friend Fats Domino....and how Fats gave my older brother (who is now in his 60's) 5 dollars when he was a little boy...Fats Domino was New Orleans...
Our condolences to his entire family...
God Bless y'all " I am walking to New Orleans" There is no other place like it!!! Mr.Domino was definitely a big part of the good down home old fashion 7th and 9th Ward where everyone knew each other and respected one another and had a damn good time all in the same time. Thank You Fats!

Tony Houlemard's Family - California
Xavier "The Prep" Class of 1948

Sylvia

November 1, 2017

Fats (Antoine Dominique Domino III) was a good friend to my father, Louis Cabiran, who was his doctor, and to my whole family. He was kind and gracious to everyone. There was much more to him than just his music. And his music meant more to the world than he knew. He will be remembered fondly forever.

Freida Brooks Barrett

November 1, 2017

Mr. Domino was a legend. I can envision him on the stage of the Apollo theater in N.Y.C. One of the best.My sincere sympathies to the family.1 Corinthians15:26

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