Fats Domino, rock and roll legend, dies aged 89

Last updated: October 25, 2017 at 23:50 pm

American singer, pianist and recording artist Fats Domino has died aged 89.

The music legend pioneered rock and roll, inspiring some of the world's biggest artists with his work in the 50s and 60s.

His debut single, The Fat Man, sold over one million copies and he had a string of top 40 songs.

He was one of the first artists to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and was labelled the "real king of rock and roll" by Elvis Presley.

He was one of the earliest R&B singers to gain a following among white audiences.

Fats – whose real name was Antoine Domino Jr, was born in New Orleans in 1928 to parents of Creole origin. French Creole was spoken in the household.

In later life he refused to leave his hometown.

A number of celebrities have already paid tribute to the musician, including actor Samuel L Jackson.

I found My Thrill on " Blueberry Hill"! RIP Fats Domino

— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) October 25, 2017

An official from the the New Orleans has now confirmed the death, after this daughter first announced it.