With the news that legendary New Orleans musician Fats Domino passed away at the age of 89, Paul McCartney took to Facebook to offer up the most personal tribute to the late legend, recalling his first encounter with Fats as a member of The Beatles. 

“We were excited to meet Fats once in his hometown of New Orleans,” McCartney said. “He was wearing a huge star spangled diamond encrusted watch which was our first encounter with his bling!” 

McCartney went on to call Domino “a huge influence” on the sound of The Beatles. “As one of my favorite rock and roll singers, I will remember him fondly and always think of him with that twinkle in his eye.” 

Read the full tribute below. 

“Rest in peace Fats Domino, the great rock ’n’ roll pianist and singer who thrilled us in our early days in Liverpool. His hit records like ‘Ain’t That A Shame’, ‘Blueberry Hill’, ‘I’m In Love Again’ and many others introduced us to the sounds of New Orleans rock ‘n’ roll. We were excited to meet Fats once in his home town of New Orleans. He was wearing a huge star spangled diamond encrusted watch which was our first encounter with bling! His voice, piano playing and musical style was a huge influence on us and his appearance in the film ‘The Girl Can’t Help It’ was truly magnificent. As one of my favourite rock ‘n’ roll singers, I will remember him fondly and always think of him with that twinkle in his eye. I read that he had eight children. He himself was named Antoine. His kids were named Antoine III, Anatole, Andre, Antonio, Antoinette, Andrea, Anola and Adonica. Now that is pure Fats!” – Paul