Born May 21st, 1904, in New York, Fats was the son of Edward Martin Waller a minister Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem. He played the organ and sang in the choir. But fats would only continue with that routine until the age of fifteen; he would move to the Harlem Cabaret area, occasionally doubling as a theatre organist and as a. piano-roll artist for the Q-R-S Company. Before 1930 Fats would have already performed as the pianist for great blues singer Bessie Smith.

The advantage that Fats had growing up, was his tutor, James P. Johnson, better known as the founding father of stride piano. Waller learned most of his characteristics of his style of playing, which was characterized as ‘light and springy’ from Johnson.

Fats’ first recordings were done in 1922. But it wasn’t 1929 when he caught a break writing the score for the Broadway hit "Hot Chocolates" wi

Art Tatum, also known as the ambidextrous genius. Tatum could play the piano with both hands, and was also influenced by Fats Waller. Names like Bud Powell, one of the main players who influenced the bebop style around 1940, also a protégé of Waller’s style of piano.

Waller was married twice in his life once to Edith Hatchett, a very religious woman that reminded him of his mother; that by now has passed away. The other wife Anita Rutherford was a smart sensible woman that really loved Fats. Anita did not care about Fats appearance a 300 pound African American ‘bear’ that could eat 3 turkeys for lunch, and still save room for dinner later that evening. People say that this was the best thing that happened to him, his enthusiasm grew bigger every day after he met Anita, his songs and his music was more joyful and enjoyable, and his performances even more delightful.

th lyrics supplied by his friend Andy Razaf. His most famous song “Ain’t Misbehavin” was part of this show, which also featured the great Louis Armstrong.

Waller was also the mentor of ‘Count’ Basie, one of the great band leaders of the swing era along with ‘Duke’ Ellington. Everybody wanted to play for either Baise or Ellington, and you were recogniz

Some topics in this essay:
African American, Parker Gillespie, Waller Basie, Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, Bud Powell, James Johnson, Victor Records, Rhythm’ Waller, Johnson Fats’, fats waller, swing era, ‘count’ basie, ‘duke’ ellington, swing style, piano players, style piano, bebop style, music history, contributed music,