Waller, Fats (1904-1943), was an American jazz pianist, songwriter, and entertainer. He became one of the most accomplished pianists in the history of jazz, though in his day he was known primarily as an entertainer.
Many of Waller’s songs have lively, witty lyrics. His first songs were published in 1923. Later, he started working with Andy Razaf, an American lyricist who wrote the words for some of Waller’s most popular songs. Their compositions include “Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” (1929), “Honeysuckle Rose” (1929), “Blue Turning Grey over You” (1930), and “Jitterbug Waltz” (1942).
Waller made several hundred recordings, many of them with a small band that he led from 1934 until his death on Dec. 15, 1943. He sang on many of these records. Waller weighed almost 300 pounds (140 kilograms). Thomas Wright Waller was born on May 21, 1904, in New York City. He died on Dec. 15, 1943.
