Legendary Rock n Roll Musician Fats Domino Dies at 89

Iconic New Orleans singer-songwriter, Antoine “Fats” Domino died Tuesday night (Oct. 24) at the age of 89. His daughter confirmed his passing and revealed to WWL-TV anchor Eric Paulsen that Domino died peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

The rockstar is known for his hits “Ain’t That a Shame” and “Blueberry Hill.” Domino’s first record “The Fat Man” was released in 1949 and it sold more than a million copies by 1953. It has been credited in history as the first rock and roll record to exist, and the first one to reach the platinum achievement.

Domino rose to fame during a time of substantial segregation in America, despite his encounters with racial discrimination he because one of the defining forces in rock and roll music. Domino was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 by Billy Joel. He went on to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award the following year. In 1998, Former President Bill Clinton awarded the musician with the National Medal of Arts.

HIs distinctive piano style and vocal arrangements influenced countless musicians such as The Beatles, Elton John, and Billy Joel. May he rest in peace.