Can Fats Waller read music?

Though Waller could read and write music well (from his classical keyboard studies as a child) and would even, on occasion, perform organ works of Bach for small groups, his brilliant improvisations have had to be transcribed from old recordings and radio broadcasts.

What was Fats Waller first song?

Waller made his recording debut in 1922 for Okeh Records with the solo efforts “Muscle Shoals Blues” and “Binningham Blues.” Shortly afterward, he released “Squeeze Me,” an important early work that established his bona fides as a songwriter.

Why was Fats Waller called fats?

His father, wanting him to become a Pastor like himself, took him to see the pianist Paderewski, in concert, but “Fats”, as his friends called him because of his stoutness, preferred the ragtime of Tom Turpin and Scott Joplin or the “stride piano” being heard in jazz clubs.

Which stride pianist won a lawsuit in 1938?

Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller (May 21, 1904 – December 15, 1943) was an American jazz pianist, organist, composer, violinist, singer, and comedic entertainer.

What kind of music did Fats Waller play?

Jazz pianist
Jazz pianist virtuoso, organist, composer and grand entertainer, Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller was born on May 21, 1904 in Harlem, New York.

Who did Fats Waller mentor?

James P. Johnson
For most of his adult life, he weighed in at just under 300 lbs. Fats was a roly-poly kid of 15 when he first met his mentor James P. Johnson. Waller played the organ at church, and piano in the school orchestra at P.S. 89 in Harlem.

Who inspired James P. Johnson?

Johnson grew up listening to the ragtime of Scott Joplin and always retained links to the ragtime era, playing and recording Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag”, as well as the more modern (according to Johnson) and demanding “Euphonic Sounds”, both several times in the 1940s.

Did Fats Waller have kids?

Ronald Waller
Maurice WallerThomas Waller Jr.
Fats Waller/Children

Waller married Anita Rutherford in 1926. Together, they had a son, Maurice Thomas Waller, born on September 10, 1927. In 1928 Waller and Rutherford had their second son, Ronald Waller. In 1938, Waller was one of the first African Americans to purchase a home in the Addisleigh Park section of St.

How much did Fats Waller weigh?

300 pounds
His nickname came about because he weighed nearly 300 pounds (136 kg). His weight and drinking are believed to have contributed to his death. Waller also made a successful tour of the British Isles in the late 1930’s, and appeared in one of the earliest BBC Television broadcasts.

Who was Fats Waller the mentor of?

Fats was a roly-poly kid of 15 when he first met his mentor James P. Johnson. Waller played the organ at church, and piano in the school orchestra at P.S. 89 in Harlem.

What are your favorite Fats Waller&His Rhythm Songs?

You’ve Been Taking Lessons in Love – (with Fats Waller & His Rhythm) 2. You’re the Cutest One – (with Fats Waller & His Rhythm)

What are Your Top 20 Fats Waller E flat blues?

Fats Waller’s Original E-Flat Blues 21. All That Meat and No Potatoes 22. Twenty-Four Robbers 23. Jitterbug Waltz 24. By the Light of the Silv’ry Moon 25. That Ain’t Right The Complete Recorded Works, Volume 2: A Handful of Keys… (CD) 1. Handful of Keys 2. The Minor Drag 3. Harlem Fuss 4. Numb Fumblin’ 5. Ain’t Misbehavin’ 6. Sweet Savannah Sue

What songs did Fats Waller sing with blue because of You?

Blue Because of You – (with Fats Waller & His Rhythm) 10. There’s Going to Be the Devil to Pay – (with Fats Waller & His Rhythm) 12. There’ll Be Some Changes Made – (with Fats Waller & His Rhythm)

Was Fats Waller the greatest jazz pianist ever?

Not only was Fats Waller one of the greatest pianists jazz has ever known, he was also one of its most exuberantly funny entertainers — and as so often happens, one facet tends to obscure the other.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qQVcjXopZo