Fats Waller

American jazz pianist, organist, composer, and comedic entertainer

Birth name	Thomas Wright Waller
Also known as
Born	(1904-05-21)May 21, 1904 New York City, New York, U.S.
Origin
Died	December 15, 1943(1943-12-15) (aged 39) Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Genres	Jazz, stride piano
Occupation(s)	Musician, composer, comedian
Instrument(s)	Piano, organ

Thomas Wright "Fats" Waller (May 21, 1904 – December 15, 1943) was an American jazz pianist, organist, composer, and comedic entertainer. He was a skilled stride piano player, a genre of jazz piano that is characterized by a left-hand technique that alternates between bass notes and chords. Waller was one of the most popular performers of his era and is considered one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time.

Early life

Waller was born in New York City, the youngest of 11 children. His father, Edward Martin Waller, was a Baptist lay preacher, and his mother, Adeline Locket Waller, was a musician. Waller began playing the piano at the age of six and was heavily influenced by the music of James P. Johnson, who became his mentor.

Career

Waller's career began in the 1920s when he started playing in Harlem nightclubs. He gained fame for his virtuosic piano playing and his ability to entertain audiences with his comedic personality. In 1922, he made his first recordings, and by the late 1920s, he was a well-known figure in the jazz world.

Waller composed many songs that became jazz standards, including "Ain't Misbehavin'", "Honeysuckle Rose", and "Jitterbug Waltz". He collaborated with lyricist Andy Razaf on many of his most famous works. Waller also appeared in several films and Broadway shows, further cementing his status as a major entertainer.

Personal life

Waller was married twice and had several children. Despite his success, he struggled with health issues, including obesity and heavy drinking. His larger-than-life personality and lifestyle were as much a part of his legend as his music.

Death

Waller died of pneumonia on December 15, 1943, while traveling on a cross-country train trip near Kansas City, Missouri. He was only 39 years old. His death was a significant loss to the world of jazz, but his music continues to be celebrated and performed by musicians around the world.

Legacy

Waller's influence on jazz and popular music is profound. He was a pioneer of the stride piano style and helped to shape the sound of early jazz. His compositions remain popular, and his recordings are still widely listened to today. Waller was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970.

Discography

• Fats Waller and His Rhythm (1934)
• Handful of Keys (1929)
• Ain't Misbehavin' (1929)
• Honeysuckle Rose (1934)
• Jitterbug Waltz (1942)

See also

• List of jazz musicians
• Stride piano
• Harlem Renaissance

External links

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