A true pioneer.

One of the most influential performers of the ’50s and ’60s, New Orleans-born pianist Fats Domino has died aged 89, BBC News reports.

Honouring New Orleans’ boogie woogie tradition while adding a swagger that would form the basis of rock’n’roll, Fats Domino was instrumental in changing the sound of popular music, becoming one of the first rhythm and blues artists to make waves with a white audience.

He went on to sell more than 65 million records, notching massive hits like ‘Ain’t That A Shame’ and ‘Blueberry Hill’ in the process.

Citing Mark Bone, chief investigator with the Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, coroner’s office, The Guardian reports that Domino died of natural causes at 3.30am on Tuesday.

Revisit his timeless 1955 hit ‘Ain’t That A Shame’ below:

Photo: Klaus Hiltscher