Fats Domino was an architect of rock and roll. The way he made the piano sing was an ode to his New Orleanian roots. And as his popularity grew, he “crossed over” into pop music – so of course, white people started trying to steal his sound!
White artists remade his songs – and skyrocketed to the top of the charts! Meanwhile, he never had a number one pop record. Unphased, he knew they couldn’t duplicate his self-taught talent.
Despite white thievery, Domino sold millions of records. His trademark triplets ultimately became a standard in rock and roll ballads. Like Black people often are, he was the blueprint. But he never let his success change him.
He remained true to his roots and his people, living in the Lower Ninth Ward community he grew up in even at the height of his career. He was even known to cook up a mean pot of red beans and rice and play the grand piano from his living room. Not looking for white validation, he even once declined an invitation to the White House!
All we as Black people have to do is stay true to ourselves, our Blackness, and take care of our people. White accolades and even white theft don’t mean much – because we’re the only ones who can determine what success looks like for us!