right in the middle of the basketball court
in our tiny high-school gym.
You, Fats, banged out stride while the sweat
rolled down your face.
We danced white-kids' bop not five feet away
and fell in love with your gravel-voice
and your music -- "Blueberry Hill,"
"I'm Walkin' to New Orleans,"
and "Ain't That a Shame."
I never knew a piano could sing like that.
I didn't really know you were already famous.
Your hands just cajoled that piano,
making music, crossing over, and
from that moment, I was a fan.
When Katrina came to New Orleans,
Rumors swirled that awful night and
the next long, long morning
that you were gone. I still remember
the photos of your rescue in that dread time.
We went on down to New Orleans,
cleaned books in a musty basement for a month,
and walked through the city,
sweet dixie and blues spilling into the night,
your city, Fats.
I'm only one of many who remember you
and hold you dear.
Today, Fats Domino remains a permanent resident of New Orleans, where his Tipitina's Foundation raises funds for musicians in Louisiana. Read more about Fats on Wikipedia and about Tipitina's Foundation here.
To read what others have written:
NaPoWriMo at http://www.napowrimo.net/participants-sites/
A-Z Challenge at http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/2012-to-z-challenge-sign-up-list.html
A Round of Words in 80 Days at http://aroundofwordsin80days.wordpress.com/
NaPoWriMo at http://www.napowrimo.net/participants-sites/
A-Z Challenge at http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/2012-to-z-challenge-sign-up-list.html
A Round of Words in 80 Days at http://aroundofwordsin80days.wordpress.com/
Fats Domino is a modern music legend. Nice tribute.
ReplyDeleteLee
A Faraway View
An A to Z Co-host blog
Ah, the music--the voice. Your words bring back memories of a bygone era. And you were there? You heard him sing and tickle the notes on a piano? I wonder if the kids of today will remember the many bands and singers with such regard.
ReplyDeleteArlee - thank you! Somehow my A to Z Challenge takes me back to those days when rock and roll was new.
ReplyDeleteFrancene - Yes, Francene, I was really there. Actually with a blind date (my first) that my cousin arranged. We were both so shy we couldn't speak to each other, but we could dance. Fats, was, unforgettable. What I marvel at today is that I was that close to one of our musical greats!