This '50s Music Icon Was Called 'The Real King of Rock N' Roll' by Elvis Presley
For most people, the general conception of rock music is that it was pioneered in large part by Elvis Presley, but once once you dig into the history and learn about his career, you begin to understand the bigger picture that's present. Presley was more accurately the person who got the most recognition for pioneering rock music, when in actuality he was wearing some very clear influences on his sleeve that people weren't aware of, chief among them being the legendary Fats Domino.
Domino was among the first group of artists to be inducted into the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, which was absolutely a deserved honor. The multitude of artists he has influenced is practically responsible for an entire genre, including The Beatles and of course Elvis Presley, who said that Domino was "the real king of rock n' roll."
@rockhall Fats Domino performing his classic "Blueberry Hill" at Austin City Limits, 1986. Fats Domino - an Inductee from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's inaugural class, who Elvis Presley himself called the real king of rock & roll - performed some of his greatest hits at Austin City Limits, including "Blueberry Hill," "Ain't That a Shame," and "Walking to New Orleans." #fatsdomino#austincitylimits#neworleans#elvis#ACL
♬ original sound - Rock Hall
The Rock Hall recently commemorated this statement with footage of Domino's performance at Austin City Limits in 1986, the same year he would be immortalized by their institution. The song "Blueberry Hill" featured in the clips is arguably his most celebrated song, holding a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
The song is so clearly influential, with the sound appearing all across rock music to come. "Lady Madonna" was reportedly written to emulate Domino's style, which is quite obvious once you listen to them together, as well as listen to Domino's cover of the song.
A lot of the lineage of rock music has been lost to public consciousness. The genre has its roots in black culture and music, specifically in early R&B music. This is something that Presley admitted himself, stating that "Rock 'n' roll was here a long time before I came along. Let's face it: I can't sing like Fats Domino can. I know that."
All these years later, Domino remains a legendary pioneer of the genre, and one of the greatest to ever do it. His music is full of life, rhythm, and a great feeling that makes you want to bob your head and dance.
Related: Explore the Legendary and Tragic Hotel that Shaped Music History in New Documentary
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 11:30 PM.