How Fats Domino Inspired Eric Burdon’S Vocal Style

March 20, 2025

As a young boy growing up in the working-class neighborhoods of Newcastle, England, Eric Burdon found solace in the sounds pouring out of his family’s old radio. It was the late 1950s, a time when rock ‘n’ roll was blossoming, and one name stood out among the rest—Fats Domino. The way Fats sang was unlike anything Eric had ever heard. His rich, smooth voice effortlessly glided over catchy melodies, inviting everyone to join in and tap their feet. Little did Eric know that those playful sounds would set the stage for his own journey into music.

Every day after school, Eric would race home, eager to hear more of Fats Domino’s hits. Songs like “Blueberry Hill” and “Ain’t That a Shame” became the soundtrack of his childhood. With Fats’s music humming through his veins, Eric would stand in front of his mirror, channeling the spirit of the legendary singer. As he rehearsed, he tried to capture Fats’s warmth and rhythm, his heart swelling with the dreams of performing on stage one day. Each note he practiced not only shaped his voice but also ignited a passion within him, a burning desire to sing and share joy with others.

In the early 1960s, when Eric finally formed his band, The Animals, he thought back to those afternoons lost in music. He wanted to channel the spirit of Fats Domino in every performance. His voice became a blend of Fats’s smooth elegance and raw rock energy, combining the best of both worlds. The Animals quickly gained attention with their powerful version of songs like “House of the Rising Sun,” but it was the influence of Fats that highlighted Eric’s unique vocal style. With each performance, he poured his heart into the music, captivating audiences the same way Fats had done for him.

The turning point in Eric’s career came during a pivotal concert in London, where he had the chance to perform alongside some of his musical idols, including Fats Domino himself. As he stood backstage, nerves fluttering in his stomach, he could hardly believe the moment was real. When it was their turn to perform, Eric stepped into the spotlight and felt the electrifying energy of the crowd. With every note he sang, he honored the man who had inspired him to chase his dreams. Fats’s unmistakable charm and soulful style echoed in Eric’s voice, sending shivers down the spines of everyone in that venue.

After the show, Fats approached Eric, a warm smile on his face. He praised Eric for his passionate performance, saying that he felt the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll shining through him. That validation felt like a blessing, a moment that solidified Eric’s path in music. He realized that the inspiration he had drawn from Fats Domino wasn’t just about copying a style; it was about embracing the love and joy that music could bring to people’s lives. It was a lesson in resilience, in believing in oneself against all odds.

Through the years, Eric Burdon continued to evolve as an artist, but he always carried Fats Domino’s influence in his heart. His journey was not just about fame or success; it was a celebration of the power of music to connect, inspire, and heal. Eric became a voice for a generation, reminding everyone that dreams were worth chasing, and that sometimes, the music we love can change the course of our lives forever.