Fats Waller

Waller, Fats (Thomas Wright Waller; 1904–43), U.S. jazz and blues pianist, composer, and entertainer. Waller began his career working in cabarets and theaters, where he accompanied various singers. He was one of few jazz musicians to become widely popular, and by the late 1920s his music, which was often witty and animated, was heard in many Broadway revues. From 1929 to 1943 Waller recorded hundreds of songs, including “Ain't Misbehavin‘,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” and “Blue Turning Gray Over You.” Waller also appeared in films, including Stormy Weather (1943).

See also: Jazz.