An estimated 10,000 people gathered on Nov. 1 to say farewell to the late rock and roll pioneer Fats Domino, who passed away on Oct. 24 at the age of 89.
In inimitable New Orleans style, the gathered crowd broke out their brass horns, tambourines, and Mardi Gras digs to give Domino an unforgettable "second line" send off as they marched through the city's iconic Ninth Ward and past the singer's former home on Caffin Avenue. Participants included Dominos' grandson Chevis Domino and fellow New Orleans natives Dr. John and Trombone Shorty, as Billboard reports.
"Second line" parades are a classic New Orleans tradition, where in brass musicians, parade watchers and other partygoers hit the streets to form an impromptu procession following a parade's "main line," which is comprised of the actual permitted parade participants.
The tradition is so deeply entwined in New Orleans culture and history that many parts of the city have an annual, semiunofficial "second line season," in which residents engage in spur-of-the-moment second line parades almost every Sunday.
As a New Orleans native and longtime resident prior to his passing, Fats Domino would surely have been touched by the outpouring of support and joyous celebration of his life and contribution to the city's musical culture.
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