5. Fats Domino
Fats Domino brought the rich musical traditions of New Orleans into the heart of rock ‘n’ roll.
His easygoing, piano-driven sound and soulful voice made hits like “Blueberry Hill” and “Ain’t That a Shame” beloved across generations. Domino’s signature style and crossover appeal helped break down racial barriers in popular music. Explore more about his pioneering influence at Smithsonian Magazine.
