Fats Waller, American Composer and Singer

Fats Waller, American Composer and Singer

Waller playing the piano in 1938. Fats Waller (May 21, 1904 - December 15, 1943), born Thomas Wright Waller, was an African-American jazz pianist, organist, composer, singer, and comedic entertainer. He was one of the most popular performers of his era, finding critical and commercial success in his homeland and in Europe. He was also a prolific songwriter and many songs he wrote or co-wrote are still popular. Between 1926 and the end of 1927, Waller recorded a series of pipe organ solo records. These represent the first time syncopated jazz compositions were performed on a full-sized church organ. He appeared in several feature films and short subject films, most notably Stormy Weather in 1943, which was released just months before his death. He ontracted pneumonia and died on a cross-country train trip near Kansas City, on December 15, 1943, after making a final recording session. He was 39 years old. Recordings of Fats Waller were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame which is a special Grammy award established in 1973 to honor recordings that are at least 25 years old and have qualitative or historical significance.

Album / Science Source / Library of Congress

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3574 x 4552 px | 46.5 MB

30.3 x 38.5 cm | 11.9 x 15.2 in (300 dpi)