FIRST TIME REACTING TO | Fats Domino | "Blueberry Hill"

[@jamescole8355]

Check it out.... Elvis called Fats Domino the 'King'. Elvis Presley declared Domino a "huge influence on me when I started out" and when they first met in 1959, described him as "the real king of rock 'n' roll". The Beatles were also heavily influenced by Domino.

[@tommarks3726]

Fats was always smiling when he performed. Class act.

[@steve8170]

Blueberry Hill was the very first 45 record I ever owned .I was like 8 or 9 yrs old I played this song on my little record player thousands of times. I’m now 77 yrs old. Fats Domino was part of this new music movement called Rock n Roll….love this. A great memory for me……. Thank you for your reaction

[@carolb1268]

I’m 75 years old and I loved Fats Domino since I was in elementary school. My parents loved him too, as well as Nat King Cole. Their records were always playing in the background. Great entertainers back in the day. ❤

[@michaelmcgillivray1624]

Whenever Nat King Cole came on the record player, us kids had to go to bed.

[@carolb1268]

@@michaelmcgillivray1624 Yes, he sang very romantic music…👍😉😁

[@realPenrodPooch]

Both magnificent.

[@larryairgood4320]

"Blueberry Hill" was first published in 1940 and many artists and groups did a version the first 3 years with the Glenn Miller Orchestra having their version reach Number 2 on the charts in 1940. When Fats had an international hit in 1956 with his version, you might say he has owned it ever since (Domino is said to have recorded his version under the inspiration of Louis Armstrong's 1949 hit of the song).

[@neoncatfish4038]

Fats Domino influence Elvis career! Elvis called him the real King of rock and roll! And yes they was very good friends! This is the music I grew up with!

[@sf0tacticalguy]

He was a complete CLASS act!

[@BoxerRick]

This was my Dads man from the 50s. He used to go around the house sing " Im going to Kansas city, Kansas city here I come " We have gone backwards. People are born with so much pride and entitlement just for being born however you are. We dont have dignity like this anymore. Hard earned , Palpable dignity. PS. I'm also a big fan of Fats. He was such a cool cool dude. And you are a cool, cool chick too. God bless ya, Britt✌️❤️

[@captainsatellite2112]

As mentioned below, the song was honored in the nostalgia sitcom Happy Days. When someone would ask Ritchie Cunningham (Ron Howard) how his date went he would smile and sing the line, "I found my thrill on Blueberry Hill."

[@davidvsr]

those were the days

[@steveburns1728]

@@davidvsr That would be "All in the Family" (theme song). lol

[@judyd6414]

Fats was so positive and dignified. He was always the man you see here. Wonderful man! So authentic. Always smiling ❤❤ RIP

[@charlenezack37]

Despite being urged to leave New Orleans prior to Hurricane Katrina striking the city in 2005, Domino preferred to stay home with his wife, Rosemary, who was in poor health at the time. When the hurricane hit, Domino's Lower Ninth Ward home was badly flooded and the legendary musician lost virtually all of his possessions. He lived till 2017. always faithful to New Orleans

[@MrKswildman]

It, I'd say started with the hippie movement, and the war/conflicts we had, back then.

[@garrettmiles3644]

The song was first recorded by Glenn Miller in the 40’s. It was covered by many artists, including Gene Autry. In the 50’s, Fats recorded his own bluesy, soulful version. Elvis recorded his version based on the Fats cover. Fats loved Elvis and loved his version of the song. That’s why he thinks of him during that particular song.

[@edkudray2060]

From his beginning to his end this man always smiled while he played. Just added that extra something to his music that lifts you up a bit. ❤

[@1funbeachbum2]

"The Singing Cowboy" Movie Gene Autry sang Blueberry Hill in 1936.

[@Darla-r9w]

Fats had that New Orleans accent that gave him such charm. I have grown up on his music. Sadly, his home was flooded during Katrina, and most of his awards, etc, were stolen by vandals. He was truly one of a kind!

[@jamesholland9314]

Fats Domino was good friends with Elvis, this is probably his biggest hit from the late fifties, Elvis never sang this song.

[@jamesholland9314]

I was wrong, Elvis did sing this song, but his was the cover of Fats hit song.

[@mikem957]

Elvis recorded a cover version for the movie Loving You but it was omitted at the last minute and not included, but was included on the album Loving You in 1957. Elvis did it live on several occasions in the 70s and introduced Fats at a few shows and called him an inspiration to him.

[@jamesholland9314]

@@mikem957 Yes, I just found a video of Elvis introducing Fats and saying he was an inspiration when Elvis was just beginning.

[@Irishpeadar64]

Elvis did sing this song, I think it's on the Loving you lp

[@dan27ep]

No class is right and also the way they dressed back then was a lot classier.

[@conniegordon2465]

Absolutely one of my all-time favorites. I was a teenager in the '50's. I only ever heard it by Fats Domino. We were greatly blessed with music during that time and didn't know it. Yes, he and Elvis were friends.

[@mikem957]

Elvis called Fats Domino the real king of Rock and Roll during his Las Vegas comeback press conference in 1969. He wasn't afraid to speak how he felt.

[@sudeshkrishnan83]

That's true affection for a friend: dedicating your signature song to that person every single time.

[@wingriderful]

Interesting fact, this song was first recorded by Gene Autry . He sang it in a 1947 movie.

[@MarcusAgricola]

I think the reason why the way people talk changed so much can be put into one word: RESPECT. Back then, people interacted respectful with each other. Nowadays, people demand respect for themselves (even though so many did nothing to earn it), while back then you offered respect to gain it yourself. But this is the reason for so many things that went bad since then.

[@mikelesley2803]

Antoine "Fats" Domino was one of the original founders of rock and roll in the 1950's. He had many htis during that time that included Ain't That A Shame, I'm Walking, Walking To New Orleans, Blue Monday, Let The Four Winds Blow and many others. He is one of the first members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Truly a legendary performer.

[@johnpolis5211]

No not an Elvis cover. One of Fats' biggest hits. He was just honoring Elvis. Had his own hits.

[@williambryan3346]

I remember first hearing about this song while watching Happy Days when I was a child. I listened to it a short time later and enjoyed it.

[@mellycook]

Yep this is when I first heard it as well.

[@RaymondCarver-vy9uk]

Such a classic song. There's also a restaurant & club in St.Louis called Blueberry Hill. Chuck Berry played a number of monthly shows there until he passed in 2017.

[@jamesparham1467]

Elvis covered this song but this song was Fats Domino song Yes, Fats Domino was a major influence on Elvis Presley I hope that Fats Domino and Elvis Presley rest in peace thank you for the video

[@leswilson4042]

I saw Fats in concert in 1960 - I was 16 and it was my first concert. He came 2 hours late then sang without a break for over 4 hours. I agree, he was a class act. Much of the music back then included sax. I miss it.

[@anitawright7169]

Fats Domino is an icon! Love this song so much. A lot of what is happening today is a result of discipline over the years. Love your reaction!

[@Rollin_L]

Back in the 80s, I saw Fats live twice. The second time, he did a double bill with Rick Nelson, Fats doing the second half of the concert. When it came to the song "I'm Walkin'"- a Fats Domino hit that Rick had covered successfully as well- Fats calls Rick back on stage and they did it together. It was fantastic, and this was not too long before Rick Nelson was lost to us in the tragic plane crash. Fats was amazing to watch. He just sits there and plays his heart out on that piano, singing, smiling and putting out more energy and joy than most any performer I have seen. His band was so tight, he'd ask the audience to pick their favorite songs from his many great hits, and then he takes one and they just launch right in with a barely a glance at each other. And then they do a few more the same way. Absolutely one of the most endearing and entertaining concerts I've ever seen. By the time I saw him, he'd been doing this for over 30 years. He was one of a kind.

[@Lam-he6mj]

Elvis referred to Fats Domino as the true king of rock and roll. In 1970 I was fortunate enough to see Fats Domino in a small setting in New Orleans. That same year I attended Elvis concerts in Houston and then Vegas. Damn good year for me.

[@PatrickOneal-nl7xk]

Elvis had many many black friends... this song was made a hit by Fats Domino and his good friend Elvis loved it. if people would just stop with the racist jargon ... then this nation would heal. so sick of all the hate groups destroying this nation.

[@markdavis5246]

Fats Domino was CLASS

[@dansavoie5087]

Big hit for "Fats. A song I always enjoyed. A little before my time. My parents loved this song. This isn't a Elvis cover. Originally released in 1940 by Sammy Kaye. Big hit, like I said for Fats but in 1956. When he said he dedicated this song to Elvis it was a performance after Elvis' death. That's the reason for dedication. To honor him upon his passing.I don't believe Elvis every sang this song on the radio. ✌️ P. S. - Have the day you deserve Ms. Britt.

[@jennyjorgensen9935]

Elvis recorded this song and loved Fats Domino.

[@garyhughes2382]

Song was composed by Vicent Rose and released by Sammy Kaye in 1940. Fats Dominino is credited with bringing it to the masses.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Fats was from New Orleans. Just before Ricky Nelson died, they did a TV special together. Ricky's first record was Fats Domino's hit "I'm Walkin', and they put Rick on Imperial Records, the same label as Fats Domino. Another thing where it's all connected....music somehow brought us all together...today? Eh...separatism, too many channels, stations owned by corporations like Clear Channel and crap...it was far from perfect, but whole generations of us heard each others music, and that helped bring us together. all the British Bands grew up with Fats Domino's music. He was cool and a cucumber as they used to say.

[@neoncatfish4038]

Even with the success he had in his career. He lived in the Lower 9th ward in New Orleans. Entail hurricane Katrina, which wiped out a lot or most of the 9th ward. I remembered a story saying he had to be rescued from his home! He was married to tell her death. They had nine kids. All the kids names starting with an A. Fats Domino's real name, is Antoine Caliste Domino Jr. Elvis said he was a big influence in his career! Elvis said he was the real king rock and roll!! The Beatles also said that he was a big influence on their careers too!

[@rodwestonable]

His "Walking to New Orleans" has been my number one song since I first heard it in 1969.

[@tomcat3769]

A news reporter here in New Orleans did an interview with him and one thing he revealed was that he was terrified of going on stage every time, because he’s afraid to let his fans down

[@StevenEverett7]

As others have said, Fats actually sang the song before Elvis. However, the first person to sing it was singing cowboy Gene Autry in 1936. You may not know him, but you've probably heard him singing Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer. He was one of the first movie cowboys that sang, and became very well known. His title of "King of the singing cowboys" was eventually taken over by Roy Rogers.

[@rebeccalipps23]

As a society, we catered to the lowest common denominator of what is the easy thing to do or say & threw away the things that took effort & some energy.

[@19chucki74]

Blueberry Hill was Fats Domino's trademark song, and he had a string of hits in the late fifties and early sixties. To see him perform it in back and white is a sight to see, Britt, you should watch it soon. Also, please react to some songs by Louis Jordan, best one is Saturday Night Fish Fry, another is Ain't That Just Like a Woman. You'd like them.

[@makingthecoin3647]

There is a video of a young Elvis joining in with Fats Domino back in the 1950s. They were good friends Elvis loved Fats you can check interviews of Fats in Hollywood Reporter, Rona Barrett Hollywood and Gossip some examples. Fats in detail speaks about his relationship with Elvis. There friendship with B.B. King , Muddy Waters etc. Good Stuff. Validation

[@dagmar.6954]

Fats Domino was a great singer songwriter & pianist. He was one of the pioneers of rock & roll music in the 50's-60's. Elvis Presley said he was a huge influence on him when he was starting out. Some of his other hits were "Ain't That A Shame", "Walking To New Orleans", "I'm Walkin'", "Valley Of Tears", "Whole Lotta Lovin'", "I Want To Walk You Home", "Blue Monday", "My Blue Heaven" etc.

[@OklasoonaHomer]

"Yes it's me and I'm in love again "

[@deanm375]

On Christmas 1975 "Santa" brought my 10 yr old self two greatest hits albums. One was Chuck Berry and the other was Fats Domino. I've been a fan ever since.

[@RichardLBanville]

This was my mom and dad's song when they began dating back in the late fifties. They changed blueberry to Charette Hill the street they would stroll on holding hands after school.

[@cmiles97x38]

I would say he smiles because he loves what he does and the audience loved him back. Such a great singer and artist.

[@johnmadden2421]

A foundation stone of post 50s music. So smooth, so classy.

[@toodlescae]

I first heard this when Gene Autry "The Singing Cowboy" sang it in a movie. Then I heard Fats Domino sing it and it's been my favorite version ever since.

[@sorrystaunton]

Fats was a Cajun from New Orleans. He spoke English with a French accent. Fats was the man!!!

[@joehenderson3659]

This is Fats Dominos Bigest Hit. And Elvis did record it, and the friendship between the two moved Fats to dedicate it to Elvis when he performed it. And even on a live recording Elvis imitated Fats a little.

[@wildcycles1]

I met Fats Domino outside a music venue in Seattle back in the early 90's. He was sitting on a park bench alone just taking a break. I spoke to him and he was the kindest person you could ask to meet. It was like talking to a family member.

[@heathjones9218]

Everyone pretty much covered the facts in the comments. Lol Elvis always referred to fats as the King of Rock n Roll. He was very much admired by Elvis...

[@captainsatellite2112]

Paul McCartney's vocals on the Beatles song Lady Madonna are an homage to Fats. Fats loved the song and recorded it too.

[@RodrickBarham]

Fats was a favorite of my Pops! We used to drive to NOLA to see him when French as a kid. Great memories

[@RodrickBarham]

Acl exists as a festival and in studio as it used to be. The stage is on campus at UT and is made to look as if it’s outside. So much history

[@jrdlabs]

One of the founding fathers of rock and roll as we know it. Fats lived all of his life in the ninth ward, New Orleans. To answer your question....culture. This was Fats' biggest hit, 1956, it was, originally ,done by the Glenn Miller orchestra, famously done by Louis Armstrong. I think his shoutout to Elvis was because they, both, came up at the same time, and they were friends.

[@jmiddleton7961]

My favorite song when I was 4 years old. I'd stand beside my dad in the truck seat while he was driving and we would both sing along.

[@delbertreno8089]

I am an old man and one of the things that I miss of being young is that is pretty well summed up with the old saying, { Show your class, Not your ass!} I remember going to sock hops as a young, young man and we wore our White jackets and sometime a carnation. We were all striving to show class in our actions and our talk. But somewhere along the way it slipped away and The young women were always trying to be classy. When when you turned on the radio, you heard everything on the popular channels. I always loved what was termed street corner music , with the 4 part harmonies. There sure was some wonderful music. I love your reactions , lovely lady!

[@tigerman62]

It was a joy to watch Fats perform because you saw how much he loved performing. And what happened to the way of speaking...Hollywood telling the people THIS is how you talk and behave. He and Elvis we good friends...also check out Mr Domino's I'm Walking.

[@steveburns1728]

This is from "Austin City Limits" (1986). I have this episode recorded on VCR, yes, VCR. Antoine "Fats" Domino. Elvis version was the cover.

[@genov9374]

Part of the reason we no longer speak eloquently is because now days the listener gets bored after listening for 5 seconds so we have to speak quickly and sharply in order to get out point across while the other person is still paying attention. We are always in a hurry to get to the next thing. The pace of life was more relaxed and laid back in the 50's/early 60's so we were able to communicate with more inflections and "proper" English. Because of that we were better able to understand other people, more so than today. Thanks for your sweetness.

[@doloreskrisky1670]

Rick Nelson launched his singing career with Fats Domino's song "I'm walking". One of the last concerts Nelson did before his untimely death in 1985, was a concert for a PBS special Rockin' With Rick And Fats.

[@debcombs7153]

So happy to see you react to this wonderful song. It was required. Parents taught their children to speak this way. It did not matter whom the children were talking to. It was a society wide. Not anymore. I would love to see you react to Honky Tonk Angel's. This is a group comprised of Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. I really think you would appreciate the songs they sang. Hope you have a blessed day 🙏 💛.

[@gwumpyolman]

I love this old country song. I like both, Elvis and Fats versions. I don't know if I heard one of them first, or Gene Autry. Mom loved the song and it played a lot when she was in the kitchen baking. Elvis and Fats had great respect for each other. A lot of good covers of this song.

[@Nuerth]

Fats Domino ~ Little Richard ~ Chuck Berry ~ are the cornerstones of what was to come ~ as Fats once said "what we called Rhythm & Blues ~ You now call Rock & Roll ~ We have been playing it for a long time"~ Elvis grew up in predominantly black neighborhoods listening to that music

[@steveburns1728]

"rock n roll" was a term used in early blues songs. It referred to the "act", if you know what I mean.

[@dr_vega]

Many musicologists credit Fats Domino with recording the first Rock and Roll song, "The Fat Man" in 1949.

[@michaelbegnaud8501]

The fat man as we refer to Antoine Domino in Louisiana, was Always smiling and giving his best. Whether it was for 1 person or 10,000 people. He loved performing. One hurricane came through New Orleans and destroyed his beloved piano, when the makers of said piano heard about it completely rebuilt it to factory specs for no charge.

[@marthagavey9321]

❤What a rich, smooth, soul saturating voice this lovely man had!! 😮 🎉 🎶💕🎶RIP Fats!

[@angelomaurizio1668]

Born Antoine Domino in 1928 of Louisiana. French Creole is his background and was his first language. It is without question Domino is one of the Fathers of Rock n Roll. Along with his fellow pioneer brothers such as Little Richard and Chuck Berry, they created the R&B sound of Rock n Roll. Elvis was a huge fan of Domino. From 1954/55-1960, Domino was very popular.

[@RaySawhill]

There used to be a thing called “class.”

[@kellykent131]

In the 70s there was a hugely popular TV show called Happy Days. Ron Howard as Ritchie Cunningham, when ever he was heading out the door to drive to Inspiration Point, he would start singing BlueBerry Hill.

[@mikerant4135]

Re: 'speech' - it only takes care and confidence (and a dcent vocabulary) - you, yourself do well. I used to play this endlessly on the juke box in the pub on Friday night.

[@thomasbarr5940]

Although Elvis did a version of this fats domino track it was never really associated as an Elvis number

[@adamwyler1773]

Because slang and 'street talk' has pervaded our society. We lost the art of eloquent conversation

[@kathiethompson5211]

I saw Fats Domino perform at Harrahs in Lake Tahoe he was fantastic and gracious he stood at the exit and thanked each of us as we left ☺️😎

[@kensilverstone1656]

Fats was very close to being the first rock and roller. One of my all time favorite voices.

[@jealousjelly1]

I love Fats Domino. I love Blueberry Hill. I love your commentary. But I really, really, really love those glasses. (And just so you know, saxophones were a big part of early rock 'n roll.)

[@chuckles5163]

THIS IS HIS SONG HE JUST PLAYING FOR ELVIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HE KNOWS ELVIS LOVES THIS SONG!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Dana-fy8bg]

Regarding the Fats manner of speaking. I think that the term you are looking for is Eloquence. Yes, he had a clear smooth speaking voice with perfect diction, enunciating every word so everyone could understand.

[@bryanfearnhead]

This was Fats' song. He was just honouring his friend. Hey Britt, how about another EP reaction? Crawfish, Baby I Don't Care, GI Blues from his early movies or Patch It Up, Just Pretend, Walk A Mile In My Shoes, live in 1970.

[@Troop327]

To illustrate your point about language, check out Greg Giraldo's bit about civil war letters Vs modern warfighter letters. "spicy language warning"

[@teamrealtree0073]

Fats was such a great singer . I'm 58 and my dad listen to him all the time and that was it for me. And then here come b.b king went crazy.

[@alpenhuhn1]

I played this shellacl single every day when I was 5 Years old in 1964 on our record player. I found my freedom on blueberry hill ,that where my first words in english! Hi from Germany!

[@jennastorm4785]

I grew up loving this song, along with "Ain't That a Shame". Fats was just so cool.

[@rickyork7089]

I met Fats in Nashville once I was 12 he was doing a concert, and I was on a trip with family we didn't have the money for his concert, But he was the nicest man you would ever want to meet. May he R.I.P. .

[@marthagavey9321]

❤ 🎶OMG what a lucky boy you were! What a memory!!!💕🥰💕

[@rickyork7089]

@@marthagavey9321 thank you I was very lucky. He was leaveing the next day it was by chance. Im so proud of that moment.

[@jeffreyk5734]

Fats Domino was a huge artist in the 50's and early 60's. One of his other best-known songs is called "I'm Walking". This was a great choice. You are so amazing Britt! Totally agree about today's lack of class and respect. I was raised differently in the 70's. Today most everyone is so crass and crude and manners and common curtesy are Soley lacking in general.

[@jerrywilliamson4045]

We lost “pride in self”.

[@Mrlaurens1987]

My favorite Singer from Rock ‘n Roll Mr Domino ❤

[@ssga_tgbuddy3082]

All of Fats Domino's songs just made you Happy. You just always were happy to get to hear a song from him. Another great song from him is "Walking to New Orleans".

[@kenjordan5750]

A great song from my childhood. This is the best video I've seen of him playing Blueberry Hill. I understand that he was very shy and preferred to play in his hometown of New Orleans, and not do concert tours.

[@3ricTehR3d]

Fats is one of my favorite artists and his version of Whiskey Heaven is one of my favorite songs. Also, this lady is hilarious lol

[@joseizquierdo2230]

AS AN ELVIS FAN THIS FATS SONG!!!! ELVIS COVERED IT!!

[@Joe-o8f]

Brett, I'm old now but I used to drive a big truck outta Tennessee and I went to S.C and Georgia a nd all around the deep South and being a white guy I sometimes found myself in all black people while delivering my freight. I had some great times talking with old black gentleman.! They speak eloquently and proper.! Better than I can.! And the stories they can tell, and will.😊 Loved talking with them.!

[@KrystalRyan-z6k]

I agree Britt!! Back when Men were Gentlemen and Women were ladies. Spoke and carried themselves as such. It all comes down to how you're raised now versus then.

[@CorneliusWilliams-j8j]

In those days, just about everyone had their own distinctive way of speaking. Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Humphrey Bogart, Redd Foxx. You knew immediately when they were in the room. My father (a WW2 artillery sergeant) spoke in a clear, booming quality. You could hear his normal speaking voice from a block away.

[@teddtarr]

For a good laugh, check out Vladimir Putin singing this song at some celebratory public function a number of years ago. Included in the audience were Goldie Hawn ( w/ Kurt), & Kevin Costner. It was a 'hoot & a half'.

[@rongigear8740]

A classic I remember from the days of my youth.

[@jackeggleston8003]

Elvis loved this song. Fats went to Graceland and would play all night for Elvis

[@mranster]

Britt: oh my god, I love the way he talks. Me: just wait til you hear him sing. Everyone did NOT talk like that back in the day. Lots of people, no matter what color, didn't speak with grace or class. But it was a thing with black men, and often women, to adopt a more cultured high-tone, especially in public, and especially if there were white people around BECAUSE of the stereotype that they were ignorant, or unschooled.

[@stevenosmond2168]

This looks like a PBS video where they asked performers to come and play not only for the entertainment, but to a musical documentary type approach to the concert. Something they should have done long ago, but things had to be recorded on the cheap per 1950's. Also if you find it listen to Little Jimmy John s "Leave My Kitten Alone"

[@theresahenry7473]

Hello Josephine, I'm walking to New Orleans. My Mom had the greatest hits 8 track in her car when I was little. So it is cemented into my soul. 😊❤

[@brittreacts]

Thanks for sharing!