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Rock ‘N’ Roll pioneer Fats Domino is 82 today. Fats was born on February 1928 in New Orleans.

Fats Domino last hit the headlines in a big way when his home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in August, 2005. There were serious concerns for Fat’s health for a time, but thankfully he was rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter. Fats moved to Harvey, Louisiana, while his house was being gutted and repaired.

In 2007, a number of great artists tackled Fats Domino hits for the charity album “Goin’ Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino.” Proceeds went to New Orleans public school music programs and to rebuilding Domino’s Hurricane Katrina-ravaged home. Among the contributing artists were Paul McCartney, Dr. John, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Randy Newman, Elton John, Norah Jones, Bonnie Raitt and Willie Nelson.

In the last few years, Fats has received a series of honours, including Offbeat magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, the Delta Music Museum Hall of Fame, and the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.

In November 2008, the PBS documentary “Fats Domino: Walking Back To New Orleans” premiered at Tipitina’s in New Orleans in the presence of Fats. The documentary contains 30 minutes of concert footage from May 2007 at Tipitina’s, as well as interviews with friends and fellow musicians.

Fats Domino’s rolling piano and masterfully laidback, yet powerful vocals, have been delighting music fans since 1949. Here’s a couple of songs that never fail to get the feet tapping:

Fats Domino – Jambalaya (On the Bayou)

Fats Domino – I’m Walkin’

UK fans who tuned into the recent “Only Fools and Horses” prequel, “Rock ‘N’ Chips”, will have seen Fat’s “I Want to Walk You Home” used to great effect throughout the show, including over the final credits. Here’s that fine song.

Fats Domino – I Want to Walk You Home

Happy Birthday Fats Domino.

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