Happy Birthday, Fats Waller

Jazz pianist Fats Waller (1904-1943) was born on May 21, 1904, in New York City. Jazz critic Richard S. Ginell said that Waller was "one of the greatest pianists jazz has ever known" and "also one of its most exuberantly funny entertainers" with an "extraordinarily light and flexible touch."

Waller was a protege of the great stride pianist James P. Johnson, an influence on painists from Earl Hines to Art Tatum, an incredible commercial success, and the author of popular songs such as "Honeysuckle Rose", "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Squeeze Me."

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends Waller's album, Fats Waller Piano Solos, 1929-1941 (Bluebird). Unfortunately, that album is only available in vinyl, and Jim Determan recommends as an alternative Turn on the Heat — The Fats Waller Piano Solos (RCA), which is available on CD from Barnes & Noble.

Waller plays his composition, "Honeysuckle Rose," here:

Robert
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