Fats Domino biography, net worth, children, houses, blueberry hill, wife, married, divorce

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<p><strong>Keywords Used:</strong> Fats Domino, American pianist, rhythm and blues, New Orleans, rock and roll, "The Fat Man", "Blueberry Hill", Hall of Fame, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, National Medal of Arts.</p>

<h2>Early Life and Musical Beginnings</h2>

<p>American pianist, singer, and songwriter Antoine "Fats" Domino Jr. was born on February 26, 1928, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Raised in a French <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creole_language">Creole</a> household, his first language was Louisiana Creole French. His father was a violinist, and his interest in music deepened under the mentorship of local jazz guitarist Harrison Verret, who taught him how to play piano.</p>

<p>Domino began playing piano at the age of seven. During his early years, he performed for small tips in the evenings. His professional career began in 1947 after he played at a backyard barbecue where he was discovered by New Orleans <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Diamond">bandleader</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Diamond">Billy Diamond</a>. Impressed by Domino's performance, Diamond invited him to join his band, the Solid Senders, which performed regularly at the Hideaway Club. Due to the similarities in style with pianists <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fats_Waller">Fats Waller</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fats_Pichon">Fats Pichon</a>, Diamond gave him the nickname "Fats."</p>

<h2>Breakthrough and Career Highlights</h2>

<p>Fats Domino’s music career can be divided into three major periods: the Imperial Records era (1949–1962), the post-Imperial era (1963–1970s), and his later career (1980s–2005). His first major hit was “The Fat Man,” recorded in 1949 for Imperial Records, often considered one of the first rock and roll records. The song sold over a million copies and marked the beginning of his national fame.</p>

<p>In 1955, he released "Ain’t That a Shame," his first hit to cross over into the mainstream pop market. His 1956 rendition of "Blueberry Hill" became one of his most iconic tracks, reaching number two on the Billboard Top 40 chart and remaining at number one on the R&B chart for 11 weeks. Over his career, Domino had 35 songs reach the Billboard Top 40, and he earned multiple gold records for his million-selling singles.</p>

<p>Known for combining rhythm and blues with elements of rock and roll, Fats Domino played with a distinctive sound that included saxophones, electric guitar, bass, piano, and drums. He recorded under several labels throughout his career, including Imperial, Mercury, Reprise, Warner Bros., Broadmoor, Sonet, and Toot Toot.</p>

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<h2>Accolades and Legacy</h2>

<p>Fats Domino was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in its inaugural class in 1986. He received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987 and the National Medal of Arts, presented by <a href="/biography/bill-clinton">President</a> <a href="/biography/bill-clinton">Bill Clinton</a>. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him No. 25 on its list of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolling_Stone's_100_Greatest_Artists_of_All_Time">100 Greatest Artists of All Time</a>. He holds the distinction of having the second-most charted rock hits—behind only <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_Presley">Elvis Presley</a>—during the 1950s.</p>

<p>In addition to his musical accomplishments, Domino was known for his unwavering connection to his hometown. He regularly attended the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and was involved in various community events, demonstrating a lasting dedication to the culture and people of New Orleans.</p>

<h2>Personal Life and Final Years</h2>

<p>Fats Domino married Rosemary Hall on August 8, 1948. The couple had eight children and remained married until Rosemary’s death in 2008. They shared a close and enduring bond throughout their lives. In 2005, during Hurricane Katrina, Domino chose to stay in his New Orleans home due to his wife's illness, which led to initial false reports of his death. A fan even spray-painted "RIP Domino You will be missed" on his home. The family was later rescued by the Coast Guard.</p>

<p>Although he lost many of his possessions in the hurricane, Domino participated in several charity events to support recovery efforts in New Orleans. At the time of his death in 2017, his net worth was estimated at $8 million. He remains an enduring icon of both rhythm and blues and rock and roll, celebrated for his profound influence on American music.</p>

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