# Fats Waller

> American jazz pianist and composer (1904–1943)

**Wikidata**: [Q310476](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q310476)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fats_Waller)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fats-waller

## Summary
Fats Waller was an influential American jazz pianist, composer, and entertainer known for his contributions to early jazz and stride piano. He is celebrated for both his musical compositions and his vibrant performance style, which left a lasting mark on American popular music.

## Biography
- Born: May 21, 1904, in the United States
- Nationality: United States
- Education: DeWitt Clinton High School
- Known for: Pioneering stride piano and writing jazz standards
- Employer(s): Various recording labels and performance venues
- Field(s): Jazz, music composition, piano performance

## Contributions
Fats Waller composed and performed numerous jazz pieces that became enduring standards. His most notable works include:
- "Ain't Misbehavin'" (1929) — a jazz classic widely recognized as one of the greatest songs of the era.
- "Honeysuckle Rose" (1929) — a composition that became a jazz standard performed and recorded by many artists.
- "The Joint Is Jumpin'" (1931) — a popular song that influenced swing and stride piano styles.
- "Blue Turning Gray Over You" — a ballad that demonstrated his versatility in blending jazz with popular music.

Waller also contributed to radio and live performances, becoming a prominent figure in Harlem's music scene and recording over 1,000 titles during his career.

## FAQs
**What is Fats Waller most known for?**  
Fats Waller is most known for his role as a pioneering jazz pianist and composer, especially for his contributions to the development of stride piano and his hit songs like "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Honeysuckle Rose."

**Where did Fats Waller receive his education?**  
Fats Waller was educated at DeWitt Clinton High School in New York City, where he began developing his musical talents.

**What genres and styles did Fats Waller work in?**  
Fats Waller worked primarily in jazz, particularly in the stride piano style, and also composed and performed in the realms of popular music and blues.

**Did Fats Waller receive any awards or recognition?**  
Yes, Fats Waller was posthumously honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his significant contributions to American music.

**What was Fats Waller's impact on music?**  
Fats Waller's impact includes defining the stride piano genre, influencing generations of jazz musicians, and contributing to the Harlem Renaissance through his performances and compositions.

## Why They Matter
Fats Waller's influence on American music is profound. He helped establish stride piano as a defining element of early jazz and contributed to the Harlem Renaissance's cultural output. His compositions, such as "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Honeysuckle Rose," remain jazz standards and continue to be performed globally. Waller's charismatic performances and innovative piano techniques laid the groundwork for later jazz artists and popular entertainers.

## Notable For
- Pioneering the stride piano style in jazz
- Composing enduring jazz standards like "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Honeysuckle Rose"
- Entertaining live audiences with his humorous and engaging stage presence
- Influencing the development of American popular music and early jazz
- Being posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Recording over 1,000 titles, making him one of the most prolific recording artists of his time

## Body

### Early Life
Fats Waller, born Thomas Wright Waller on May 21, 1904, in the United States, was a musical prodigy from a young age. Raised in Harlem, New York, he was educated at DeWitt Clinton High School, where he began honing his skills as a pianist and performer. His early exposure to music in the culturally rich environment of Harlem shaped his artistic development.

### Career
Waller's career began in the 1920s, where he quickly gained recognition for his exceptional piano skills and unique improvisational style. He became a central figure in the stride piano movement, a style that merged ragtime, blues, and early jazz. His performances were known for their energy and humor, making him a beloved entertainer in live venues and on radio.

Waller also composed several jazz standards, including:
- "Ain’t Misbehavin’" (1929)
- "Honeysuckle Rose" (1929)
- "The Joint Is Jumpin’" (1931)
- "Blue Turning Gray Over You"

He recorded over 1,000 titles, showcasing his prolific output and influence on the music industry. His work bridged the gap between jazz and popular music, influencing performers for decades.

### Influence and Legacy
Fats Waller's legacy is evident in the continued popularity of his compositions and his influence on later jazz musicians. His style of piano playing helped define the sound of early jazz and influenced the development of stride and swing music. Artists like Duke Ellington and later performers in the jazz world drew inspiration from his work.

Waller's impact also extended to the broader cultural landscape. As a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, he contributed to the era's vibrant artistic and musical innovations. His music remains a cornerstone of American jazz history, and his recordings are still celebrated for their creativity and technical brilliance.

### Awards and Recognition
Posthumously, Fats Waller received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his contributions to music. His work continues to be studied and performed, cementing his place as one of the most important figures in American jazz.

### Personal Life and Death
Fats Waller passed away on December 15, 1943, leaving behind a rich musical legacy. His influence persists through his recordings and the countless musicians who continue to perform and celebrate his work.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. [DWC Notable Alumni](https://www.dewittclintonalumni.com/uploads/1/2/4/4/124431105/dwc_notable_alumni_july_2019__ev_1.pdf)
4. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Open Library
7. MusicBrainz
8. CiNii Research
9. [Source](https://archives.nypl.org/scm/25630)
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. SNAC
12. Internet Broadway Database
13. Find a Grave
14. International Music Score Library Project
15. Discogs
16. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
17. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
19. Virtual International Authority File
20. CONOR.SI
21. BBC Things
22. [Source](http://iswcnet.cisac.org/)
23. Google Knowledge Graph
24. Quora
25. LIBRIS. 2012
26. ISWC Network
27. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
28. [Source](https://www.musik-sammler.de/artist/fats-waller-his-buddies)