The New Orleans Sound

Today in Music History: November 18, 1956

After a storm comes a calm. The words of Matthew Henry preserved as an iconic quote are still just as prevalent today as penned sometime in the 17th century. The storms of life often have a humbling effect with the calm being the precedent to events that lie ahead. Such happened in the life of a R&B star allowing a whole new generation to fall in love with him all over again.

Welcome into the spotlight...

 

Domino in concert in Germany in 1977

Fats Domino: rhythm-and-blues star who became one of the first rock-and-roll stars and who helped define the New Orleans sound

Rhythm-and-blues, rock 'n' roll both effectively describe Fats Domino. His rolling piano and "wah-wah" vocalizing over a strong back beat categorized Domino's first rock and roll record, 'The Fat Man'. That was in 1950. Before 1955, he had released five gold (million-copy-selling) records. He also had 35 Top 40 American hits and has a music style based on traditional rhythm and blues ensembles of bass, piano, electric guitar, drums, and saxophone.

For today's step back in time...

1956 Fats Domino appeared on the US TV Ed Sullivan Show performing 'Blueberry Hill'. Before the song became a rock and roll standard it had been recorded by various artists including Louis Armstrong, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Gene Autry and Jimmy Dorsey. The version by Fats Domino was ranked No.82 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Image Source: en.wikipedia.org

Fats Domino, wearing a National Medal of Arts, a replacement by President George W. Bush on August 29, 2006, after the original, bestowed upon him by former President Bill Clinton, was lost in the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina.

In 2005, Fats Domino was rescued from New Orleans shortly after Hurricane Katrina hit the city. The 77-year-old singer had been reported missing since the storm in New Orleans which had flooded the city leaving thousands feared dead. In 2008, Domino was presented with Grammy Hall of Fame awards for 'Ain't That a Shame' and 'Blueberry Hill'. The awards were originally received in 2002 and 1987 respectively, but were lost when Domino's house was devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

 Fats Domino, 'Alive and Kickin' After Katrina

After Katrina, Fats Domino made some public appearances around his home city of New Orleans. One of his concerts was recorded for a PBS documentary, Fats Domino: Walkin' Back to New Orleans, which aired in 2007. A greatest hits album was also released in 2007, allowing a whole new generation to fall for Fats Domino all over again. Source: Biography.com

Now in his eighties, Fats Domino will always be remembered as one of rock's early stars. He also helped break down color barriers, getting white stations to play his songs and playing to racially diverse audiences.

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...