LEGENDARY rock and roll pioneer Fats Domino has died at the age of 89.
The singer and pianist was an innovator in the rhythm and blues genre, helping to lay the foundations for what became rock and roll in the 1950s.
His daughter Karen Domino-White told her local TV station in the US WWL-TV that the New Orleans born musician died peacefully surrounded by family and friends.
His wife Tracie confirmed that her husband, born Antoine Domino in 1928.
The iconic artist’s career spanned over five decades, with hits such as Blueberry Hill and Ain’t That A Shame.
He received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987, a year after becoming one of the first acts to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“As far as I know, music makes people happy. I know it makes me happy.” – Fats Domino (1928 – 2017) pic.twitter.com/GlISQPvfAT
— Getty Images (@GettyImages) October 25, 2017
Tributes have flooded in for the star on social media.
Hollywood actor Samuel L. Jackson tweeted: “I found My Thrill on ” Blueberry Hill”! RIP Fats Domino”
Rapper LL Cool J said: “Rest in paradise to Fats Domino. He paved the way for so many. I remember listening to his music as a little boy.”
Musical theatre writer Sir Tim Rice wrote: “I bought Fats discs in the 50s & 60s & he seemed to have been around forever then. Such distinctive songs, piano, voice.”
Scots singer KT Tunstall tweeted: “Thank you Fats Domino, you were an amazing music teacher on your records.”
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