It Is Indeed a Shame

The death of Antoine "Fats" Domino Tuesday at the age of 89 leaves just two of rock music's earliest drivers still kicking -- "Little Richard" Penniman (84) and "The Killer" Jerry Lee Lewis (82). They're not the only two early rock musicians who survive today, but they are by far the biggest names and influences from the mid-to-late 1950s on that list.

Like them, Domino was primarily a keyboard man, but was quite a bit smoother and more sedate although every bit as talented. His genial nature (and size) made the kind of acrobatic ivory work that defined the other two men just not at all his style. Even his hits were more easy-going, with 1957's "I'm Walkin'" and 1958's "Whole Lotta Loving" probably the speediest tempos he released. He scored more sales in rock and roll's early years than anyone besides Elvis Presley.

Domino varied from the rock norm in some other ways as well -- he married Rosemary Hall in 1947 and stayed with her until her death in 2008. They had eight children, all of whose names begin with the letter "A." At first missing and rumored dead after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, Domino was discovered to have been rescued and was able to move back to the area when it was cleaned up. He played occasionally at different benefits and also at New Orleans' famous Tipitina's concert venue.