LAE Productions & Tipitina's Present

August 29, 2005. New Orleans was changed forever when its levees failed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. One of the areas hardest hit by the storm was a neighborhood rich in culture and tradition known as the Lower Ninth Ward.

One lifelong resident of the Ninth Ward, who embodies the spirit of the neighborhood, is legendary piano man Antoine "Fats" Domino. In the aftermath of Katrina, rumors spread throughout New Orleans and the world that Fats and his wife of fifty years had perished in the storm. A city in mourning was now awash in even more grief.

Fats Domino: Walkin' Back To New Orleans is the story of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's harrowing rescue during Hurricane Katrina and his triumphant, and possibly final, return to the stage for a benefit concert almost two years after the storm.

Domino's concert, captured in high definition, was no small feat for the shy performer who, throughout his six decade music career, has never been comfortable in the spotlight. Still shaken by the devastating impact Katrina had on his city and his life, Fats took the stage to raise money for the post-Katrina rebuilding effort. In the process, he lifted the spirit of the entire city.

In addition to some of Fats' greatest hits performed live in concert at legendary New Orleans music club, Tipitina's, the program gives audiences an up-close, never before seen look into the life and storied career of the reluctant music legend. In a rare interview with Fats, viewers gain insight into this humble performer and how he changed music without even trying.

Featuring interviews with other New Orleans music icons, including, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint and 2007 Grammy Winner, Irma Thomas, the program highlights what Fats means to the city and how his music and passion for New Orleans have been a source of inspiration for people there for over sixty years.

Fats Domino: Walkin' Back to New Orleans also features two of music's biggest and most influential performers, writers and composers. Interviews with Robert Plant and Randy Newman give us a look at how, in the early 50s, Fats played a major role in pioneering what would become known as Rock and Roll.

This documentary weaves full live performances of classic Domino songs such as "Blueberry Hill," "Ain't That A Shame," "and "Blue Monday" with poignant interviews and historic film and photos of Fats. Fats Domino: Walkin Back To New Orleans is an inspiring chronicle of living history.

"Fats Domino is one of the greatest American artists of the last half of the 20th Century."

-- Randy Newman

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