Ain't That a Shame

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"Ain't That a Shame" is a song by Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew, recorded in New Orleans, Louisiana for Imperial Records and released in 1955. The original recording was a regional hit. The song gained national fame after being re-recorded by white recording artist Pat Boone. Domino's definitive version soon became more popular, bringing Domino's music to the mass market.

After "Ain't It a Shame", mainstream artists began covering Domino's songs. Teresa Brewer, for instance, performed the Domino rewrite of a folk song called "Bo Weevil". Most of the covers, however, were little more than commercial novelties. The Fats Domino recordings remain the most well-received and notable.

According to legend, Pat Boone suggested the title and lyrics be altered to "Isn't It A Shame" to make it more appealing to a broader audience but was disuaded by his producers.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] In Movies

Fats Domino can be seen performing this song in "Shake, Rattle & Rock!" (1956). The song is heard in American Graffiti, and is used in the movie October Sky.

[edit] Covers

Pat Boone in 1955. It hit #1 for two weeks on the Billboard charts.
Four Seasons in 1963. It was a mild hit, though a drastic rearrangement. It charted at #22.
Cheap Trick in 1979. It charted at #35 after being released on their Live At Budokan album.
John Lennon in 1975 on "Rock 'n Roll"
Paul McCartney in 1990 on Tripping the Live Fantastic. Recorded live during his Japanese tour.