There were major riots at Domino's concerts in the 1950s, not just because of integration.
White and black fans flocked to Fats Domino concerts, integrating many venues for the first time. Four riots took place in 1956. Saxophonist Herb Hardesty describes two concerts and says the riots weren't about race. This film excerpt includes Domino being interviewed about rock n' roll and it's possible influence on rioting. Domino says "music makes people happy. I know it makes me happy."
AIR DATE 2/26/16
Discover how Fats Domino’s brand of New Orleans rhythm and blues became rock ‘n’ roll. As popular in the 1950s as Elvis Presley, Domino suffered degradations in the pre-civil rights South and aided integration through his influential music.
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