New Orleans is a special city that holds a unique position in the American psyche. As a human tragedy, Hurricane Katria would have been just as bad wherever it happened. But as a cultural tragedy, there is something extra horrible about smashing New Orleans. For years to come, we'll still be sorting out the losses for food, for architecture, for language, and for music. The city has probably done more for American music than any other city in the country. That's why this story stood out for me more than any other story.
Fats Domino is among the tens of thousands of New Orleans residents unaccounted for after floodwaters swamped the city famed for its musical heritage, friends said on Thursday.
The 76-year-old musician, beloved for his boogie-woogie piano style and such hits as "Ain't That a Shame" and "Blueberry Hill," told his manager Al Embry on Monday that he planned to "ride out" Hurricane Katrina at his home in New Orleans...
That Monday phone call was the last confirmed contact with him. But, Harry Shearer told Reuters that he had heard from friends that Domino had made it to the Superdome, where the equally-legendary singer-songwriter Allen Toussaint was also among the refugees. In one respect, these are just two more old men among the refugees. Their hunger, thirst, and exhaustion is no more special or tragic than anybody elses. But for me, they are two old men that have made my life a little better, so I'll pay extra attention to their fate. I hope they, and all the other tired old men of the city, get out okay.
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