Watch Fats Domino - the Big Beat: Fats Domino and the Birth of Rock N Roll

This documentary film, Fats Domino - the Big Beat: Fats Domino and the Birth of Rock N Roll, explores the life and music of one of the most influential artists in the early days of rock and roll, Fats Domino. Directed by Joe Lauro, the film features interviews with Fats Domino himself, as well as with his family, friends, collaborators, and fellow musicians.

The film takes us back to the 1950s, when Fats Domino's music, with its irresistible mix of boogie-woogie piano, blues, jazz, and R&B, took America by storm. Through archival footage, photographs, and interviews, we see how Fats Domino went from playing in clubs in New Orleans to becoming a household name with hits like "Ain't That a Shame," "Blueberry Hill," and "I'm Walkin'."

We learn about Fats Domino's early years, growing up in a musical family in New Orleans, where he was exposed to a wide range of influences, from jazz legends like Louis Armstrong to the street sounds of the city's parades and second-lines. We see how Fats Domino honed his skills as a pianist and singer, and how he eventually caught the attention of record producer Dave Bartholomew, who helped him get his first recording contract.

The film also delves into the racial dynamics of the time, when black musicians like Fats Domino were often overlooked or discriminated against in the music industry. We hear from Fats Domino's longtime collaborator, Dave Bartholomew, who talks about the challenges they faced in getting their music on the radio and in front of audiences.

Despite the obstacles, Fats Domino's music continued to find a wider audience, and we see how his songs became anthems for a generation of young people. The film features interviews with musicians who were inspired by Fats Domino, including Little Richard, Dr. John, and Paul McCartney.

One of the highlights of the film is the rare archival footage of Fats Domino performing live. We see him in action, playing to packed crowds and wowing audiences with his energetic performances and infectious personality. We also hear from people who knew Fats Domino personally, including his daughter, who shares memories of her father's life offstage.

Finally, the film explores Fats Domino's lasting legacy, and how his music continues to inspire generations of musicians today. We see how his songs have been covered by artists across genres, from Elvis Presley to John Lennon to Tom Petty. And we hear from contemporary musicians like Irma Thomas, who talk about the impact that Fats Domino had on their own musical journeys.

Overall, Fats Domino - the Big Beat: Fats Domino and the Birth of Rock N Roll is a fascinating look at one of the most important figures in the history of American music. With its mix of archival footage, interviews, and performances, the film captures the spirit of Fats Domino's music and its enduring influence on popular culture.

Fats Domino - the Big Beat: Fats Domino and the Birth of Rock N Roll is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.