Legendary New Orleans musician Fats Domino has died at 89.
The sad news regarding the rock and roll pioneer – whose real first name was Antoine – was reported by WWL-TV anchor Eric Paulson on Wednesday Morning.
According to the New Orleans-based CBS affiliate, his daughter said he was surrounded by family and friends and died peacefully.
Legend: Legendary New Orleans musician Fats Domino has died at 89 according to WWL-TV anchor Eric Paulson on Wednesday
The Blueberry Hill hitmaker was a pioneering force in rock and roll as he was one of the biggest stars of the genre in the 1950s and was one of the very first rhythm and blues artists to gain popularity with white audiences.
He even inspired one of the most famous artists of all-time in Elvis Presley as the King Of Rock And Roll once introduced Domino at a Las Vegas concert by saying: ‘this gentleman was a huge influence on me when I started out.’
US TV star Wendell Pierce led tributes to the rocker.
He said: ‘Words fail me in this moment of deep heartache and sadness. We have lost a legend.
‘One of my heroes. New Orleans’ Fats Domino is dead.’
The Ain’t That a Shame hitmaker – who was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987 – was a rock ‘n’ roll pioneer who inspired the likes of Elvis Presley and The Beatles.
Good spirits: The rock and roll legend pictured in New Orleans back in October 2014
He was born and raised in New Orleans and was famously feared dead in 2005, when he refused to leave his home when Hurricane Katrina hit the state in 2005, but it was later revealed he had been rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter.
The iconic musician was given his nickname by New Orleans bandleader Billy Diamond in 1947, after he heard him play and was reminded of pianists Fats Waller and Fats Pichon.
He released his first single, The Fat Man – which was co-written by Dave Bartholomew – in 1950, with his debut album, Carry on Rockin coming out in 1955.
Iconic: One of his legendary albums Here Comes… Fats Domino was released in 1963
In 2012, Fats appeared as himself in HBO show Treme, which was set in New Orleans and featured several local musicians.
He was inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in August 2016.
Fats had eight children, Antonio, Andre, Anatole, Adonica, Andrea, Antoine III, Antoinette, Anola, with late wife Rosemary, who died in 2008.