Paul McCartney Writes Touching Tribute to Fats Domino, ‘A Huge Influence’ on the Beatles

Antoine “Fats” Domino, who died Tuesday at 89, was one of the main pioneers of early rock and roll, influencing virtually everyone who followed him — including, not least, the Beatles, who covered his songs and met him on one of their first trips to the United States. On Thursday, Paul McCartney issued a statement on his website remembering the legendary rocker.

“Rest in peace Fats Domino, the great rock ’n’ roll pianist and singer who thrilled us in our early days in Liverpool,” he writes. “His hit records like ‘Ain’t That A Shame’, ‘Blueberry Hill’, ‘I’m In Love Again’ and many others introduced us to the sounds of New Orleans rock ‘n’ roll. We were excited to meet Fats once in his home town of New Orleans. He was wearing a huge star spangled diamond encrusted watch which was our first encounter with bling! His voice, piano playing and musical style was a huge influence on us and his appearance in the film ‘The Girl Can’t Help It’ was truly magnificent. As one of my favourite rock ‘n’ roll singers, I will remember him fondly and always think of him with that twinkle in his eye. I read that he had eight children. He himself was named Antoine. His kids were named Antoine III, Anatole, Andre, Antonio, Antoinette, Andrea, Anola and Adonica. Now that is pure Fats!”

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