Rock and Roll - Fats Domino
Nihar T
How did Fats Domino change Rock and Roll/Rhythm and Blues forever?
Fats Domino started his music career in his origination. Domino is famously known for his upcoming in New Orleans, Louisiana. His genres came as followed: Rock and roll, New Orleans rhythm, and the blues. Throughout his career, domino is most well known regarding his piano playing. Fats domino was one of the best piano players of the 20th century. One of his biggest hits was his first recording, "The Fat Man" (1949). This was one of a series of rhythm-and-blues hits that sold anywhere from 500,000 to 1,000,000 copies. He was very popular and appealed to the audience as he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. Dominos new style appealed to the audience. His soulful piano playing brought a new world of music into Rock and roll and the rhythm and blues forever. As someone who constantly stuck to his roots, playing many gigs in his hometown of New Orleans, he was well respected and truly idolized for many generations of artists.
What components of Fats Domino made him so appealing in the age of music between the 1950s-1970s?
Today, what makes Fats Domino so popular and what are some of his famous songs?
CBS Interview where Domino was asked about his love for Louisiana.
Summarize the roots of Rhythm/Blues and Rock/Roll
Rhythm and blues or most commonly known as r&b music originated in the 1940 in predominantly African-American communities. Rooted in many urban cities and adopted by many clubs, r&b was urbane, rocking jazz with a heavy beat. Bands usually consisted of pianos, guitars, saxophones, drums, bass, etc. R&B lyrical themes often encapsulate the African-American experience of pain and the quest for freedom and joy.
Rock and roll originated almost extremely afterward r&b music. How, you ask? Many artists adopted components of dancing, upbeat music and changed the tradition in many clubs. Artists such as Elvis, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, and our guy Fats Domino dominated. They added jazz components, upbeat jungle house rock songs, and truly got more interactive with their audiences across the U.S. signaling some positive, happier tones for the country.
Timeline of Fats Domino
1949 Having signed to the Imperial label, Fats Domino cuts eight tracks at his first recording session at Cosimo Matassa's J&M Studios in New Orleans. 1955 Fats Domino’s "Ain't That a Shame” enters the R&B chart, which it will top for 11 weeks. It will also become his first crossover hit, entering the pop charts in mid-July and peaking at #10. 1956 Fats Domino's biggest single, "Blueberry Hill," reaches #2 on the pop chart and #11 on the R&B chart, where it will stay for11 weeks. This same month Domino appears with Big Joe Turner in the breakthrough rock and roll film Shake, Rattle and Rock, performing three songs. 1961 Fats Domino’s last major hit, “Let the Four Winds Blow,” enters the charts. It will peak at #2 R&B and #15 pop. 1963 After nearly 14 years on the Imperial label, Fats Domino signs with ABC-Paramount when his contract expires. He'll also record for the Mercury and Reprise labels during the Sixties.