10 Facts about Fats Waller

The notable jazz pianist is elaborated on Facts about Fats Waller. His real name was Thomas Wright Waller. He was mostly known as Fats Waller. He was born on 21st May 1904 and died on 15th December 1943. He was also known as a comedic entertainer, singer, composer and organist.  The foundation of modern jazz piano was laid by Fats Waller due to his innovative Harlem stride style. Let us check the interesting facts about Fats Waller below:

Facts about Fats Waller 1: the well-known composition

“Honeysuckle Rose” and “Ain’t Misbehavin'” are the prominent compositions of Fats Waller.

Facts about Fats Waller 2: Grammy Hall of Fame

In 1984 and 1999, the two prominent compositions were inducted at Grammy Hall of Fame.

Facts about Fats Waller 3: the family

There were 11 kids in the family where Waller was the youngest one.  His father was Reverend Edward Martin Waller. His mother was Adeline Locket Waller. He was raised in New York City.

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Facts about Fats Waller 4: playing piano

When Fats Waller was 6 years old, he started to play piano. Four years later, he began to play the organ at the church of his father.  During the youth, he was taught by his mother.

Facts about Fats Waller 5: playing organ

He played the organ in Harlem at Lincoln Theater when he was 14.  He created the first rag within 12 months.

Facts about Fats Waller 6: the first piano solos

In October 1922, he recorded the first piano solos at the age of 18. The solos included “Birmingham Blues” and “Muscle Shoals Blues”.

Facts about Fats Waller 7: James P. Johnson

James P. Johnson was a notable pianist.  At first, James P. Johnson was Waller’s teacher. In the latter life, Johnson considered him as a colleague and friend.

Facts about Fats Waller 8: a professional pianist

Waller decided to become a professional pianist when he was 15 by joining theaters and cabarets. This decision was rejected by his father.

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Facts about Fats Waller 9: success

Waller was a commercially successful pianist and singer. He was a popular performer in Europe and United States. The critics also loved his works.

Facts about Fats Waller 10: the songs

The songs, which has been written or co-written by Waller, included “Squeeze Me”, “Ain’t Misbehavin'”,  and “Honeysuckle Rose”. All of them are still popular until today.

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