The Smiley Smile Message Board

Just received word that Rock and Roll pioneer Dave Bartholomew has died at the age of 100.
Yes he lived a long life but this still hurts. 2019 has been a horrible year for my city, particularly this past month or so. We've lost several musicians of note, an iconic chef, and a couple of local writers . Hopefully they are having a big ole party up yonder.

(Info courtesy Dominic Massa, WWL TV)
Bartholomew was a trumpeter, band leader, producer, songwriter and arranger.
He's a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
He started working with Fats Domino in the late 40s and in 1949 produced the hit "The Fat Man" (considered by some to be if not the earliest, one of the first "rock and roll" records).
He continued working with Domino, co writing hits such as Ain 't That a Shame, Blue Monday, Walking to New Orleans, Let the Four Winds Blow, plus other songs. He produced and arranged Blueberry Hill.
It was said that he was a stabilizing influence on Domino, helping him remain focused during recording sessions .
He also produced for a number of other local musicians.

Trivia: In 1952 he wrote the song My Ding-a-Ling, which became a big hit later on for Chuck Berry.

Sad news, but yes, a long life! RIP, sir. I'll raise a toast to that big ole party.

This may be DB's finest hour (it's certainly Fats's):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKm0qMREToM

Oh no! He was a legend! R. I. P.   :'(


Here's footage of Dave and Fats reuniting in 2010:

New Orleans Airwaves: Fats Domino & Dave Bartholomew (2010)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4szohPhlN0

Wonderful video of the two of them.
Kudos to Eric Paulsen for bringing them together. Paulsen was good friends with Fats Domino and his family in Domino's later years.

I have a VHS of a concert from 1985 where Fats and Dave are reunited. Rick Nelson was on that tour, too.

Saw footage of Dave from a few years ago, and he was in good shape - not a broken down 90-something, pretty amazing and long life he lead.