Fats Domino full name Antoine "Fats" Domino, Jr. was an American pianist and singer-songwriter. He became one of the first rock-and-roll stars and who helped define the New Orleans sound. Fats Domino sold over 65 million records in his career before his death at the age of 89.
He was born on February 26, 1928, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the United States to Antoine Domino and Donatile Gros. His father was a well-known violinist. His family was of French Creole background. He was one of his nine siblings.
He attended the Louis B. Macarty School until the 4th grade and then left his study to work as a helper to an ice delivery man. By age 14, Domino was performing in New Orleans bars.
Fats Domino's professional career got a breakthrough after he was signed by Imperial Records label owner Lew Chudd in 1949. He and producer Dave Bartholomew made the song The Fat Man which sold over million copies by 1951.
He released numerous hit songs between 1952 and 1960, including Ain't That a Shame, Blueberry Hill, and I'm Walkin'. Domino's debut album, Carry On Rockin, contained several of his hits and tracks that had not yet been released as singles.
Also, Domino appeared in two films released in 1956: Shake, Rattle & Rock! and The Girl Can't Help It.
Domino moved to ABC-Paramount Records in 1963. He released 11 singles for ABC-Paramount. He became the first musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in 1986. The winner of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987, Domino released his last album for a major label, Christmas is a Special Day in 1993.
Domino was a married man. He married his wife Rosemary Domino in 1947 and they lived together for 61 years. They never divorced, they were separated due to Rosemary's death in 2008. The couple welcomed 8 children together: Antoine III, Anatole, Andre, Antonio, Antoinette, Andrea, Anola, and Adonica.
Domino was not involved in any affairs or relationship after the death of his wife.
In August 2005, the couple experienced the mighty Hurricane Katrina together. He could not leave his house because of the poor health of his wife, Rosemary. His house was in the adversely affected area. Many thought that he was dead, but he and his family were rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter.
On October 24, 2017, Fats Domino died at the age of 89, at his home in Harvey, Louisiana. His death was natural as per the coroner's office. At the time of his death, Domino's net worth was reported to be $8 million.