Legendary New Orleans musician Fats Domino has died at the age of 89-years-old.
Known for his epic hits “Blueberry Hill” and “Ain’t That a Shame,” Fats Domino sold more than 65 million albums and earned the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987.
The incredible singer and piano player was nicknamed “Fats” in the late 1940s after joining Billy Diamond’s band in 1947. Diamond once said that Domino reminded him of the pianists Fats Waller and Fats Pichon.
Fats was one of the biggest rock and roll stars in the 1950s as one of the first rhythm and blues artists to gain popularity among white audiences. Domino’s music helped bridge the racial gap for young listeners in segregated America.
He would go on to directly influence some of the greatest artists in the 20th century including Elvis Presley and the Beatles.
Deeply connected to his home state of New Orleans, Fats was one of the first artists to help coordinate charity events and make public appearances for relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina.
According to TMZ, Fats passed away in New Orleans surrounded by his friends and family.