Antoine “Fats” Domino was born in New Orleans 87 years ago today in the Lower Ninth Ward.

The boy who would become “The Fat Man” took up music at an early age, learning to play piano at age 10.

An early rock ‘n’ roll trailblazer, Domino’s dominance of the New Orleans R&B sound of the 1950s paved the way for generations of musicians.

His signature “triplett,” put to masterful use by bandleader and lifelong musical partner Dave Bartholomew, is an instantly recognizable mark of Domino’s instinctive genius.

Everyone from Elvis to the Beatles to contemporary New Orleans piano masters all pay tribute to Fats Domino, and his influence isn’t likely to wear off anytime soon.

Join us in wishing Fats Domino a happy 87th birthday, and enjoy his first big hit, “The Fat Man.”