Although never really in the mainstream of early rock & roll, he was one of the most influential singers in rock.
Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986
He is heard playing the piano introduction on Lloyd Price's "Lawdy Miss Clawdy"(1952).
He survived Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6616 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
He was awarded the American National Medal of the Arts in 1998 by the National Endowment of the Arts in Washington D.C.
He was voted the 25th Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Artist of all time by Rolling Stone.
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1998.
Mentioned in the song "Life Is a Rock But the Radio Rolled Me" by Reunion.
When Hurricane Katrina was approaching New Orleans, he decided to stay at his home and was missed for days. He was later rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter (1 September 2005).