Antoine Dominique “Fats” Domino, Jr. February 26, 1928 – October 24, 2017.
The heart and soul of New Orleans and its music.
And he touched us. The year it was 1984 and old New Orleans put on its grandest party yet: The New Orleans World’s Fair. Oh, it was a scene it was and what was seen and heard has not been forgotten by those who were there that night on the quai beside the Algiers Ferry Terminal for a rare concert by Fats Domino under the stars with him at a grand piano in a white sport jacket conjuring out of his heart that unmistakable rhythm and soul flowing unimpeded by doubt or disdain while embracing life’s blue spark and flight wholly and inimitably imbued with that sacred tone.
We wept that night, graced by one touch of life
Finger-tipped and vocalized doucement and free
Orpheus of the Ninth Ward
Generous teacher and friend
Teller of tales sweet and true
Messenger of thrill and blue
Surrender to love no matter how
It might turn out in the end for
The beloved lover is forever ours
The way it had to be.
© R Young
studio arago 