Ill Domino misses Katrina signing

Domino, 78, has made few public appearances since the hurricane

Poor health has forced musician Fats Domino to cancel an autograph session in New Orleans aimed at raising money for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The 78-year-old felt unwell before the charity event and decided to rest, but he is still expected to appear at the city's jazz festival on Sunday.

Domino was evacuated from his flooded home during the disaster.

He was to sign autographs to support an organisation helping local musicians to find housing and new instruments.

The Tiptina's Foundation was named after one of the nightclubs in New Orleans.

The hurricane displaced more than half of the city's musicians and so far the charity has provided instruments valued at more than $500,000 (£273,000).

"It's not any major ailment, but he wanted to rest up for Sunday," said Adam Shipley, music director of Tiptina's.

"He's not feeling well, and his first priority is getting ready for Jazz Fest."

Domino's public appearances have been rare since the disaster last August, during which 1,300 people were killed across several US states.

He is due to close the festival - which has been spread across two weekends - on Sunday, topping a bill which also includes Paul Simon, Irma Thomas and Lionel Richie.