Antoine 'Fats' Domino: A Singer In The 1960's

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Antoine “Fats” Domino was a singer in the 1950’s and 1960’s who was one of the first rock and roll artists to have crossover success that was consistent. Domino had thirty-seven Top 40 singles from 1955 to 1963. His career started in New Orleans where he was born, and in the early 1950’s and was signed with Imperial Records which was an independent label. Domino started off with many rhythm and blues hits before crossing over to the pop charts in 1955. Playing the piano was part of his image. He was very good at playing the piano, and constantly played triplet cords and sang lyrical melodies in a relaxed state. Domino had a welcoming, easygoing and friendly image that caused his white listeners no racial anxiety like other singers might. Some close colleagues of his even considered him to be a country and western singer. One of Fats Domino’s most successful songs was released in 1956 called “I’m in Love Again.” On the R&B Best Sellers List, it was his third number one and it stayed at the top for seven weeks. This song was …show more content…

Many other artists have covered this song, but for Domino, it was one if his greatest hits and will be the song people associate with him the most. It ended up reaching the number one spot on all three rhythm and blues charts for eleven weeks, and number two on the pop chart for two weeks. This song is played with a 12/8 time signature and AABA form until the end when the bridge and last verse is repeated. The instruments included in “Blueberry Hill” are the exact same as they are in “I’m in Love Again”. The song includes electric guitar, piano, bass, saxophone, drums and the lead singer which is Domino. Compared to “I’m in Love Again”, it has a slower tempo and doesn’t have as much energy to it. It’s more of a song that you would slow dance to instead of more upbeat