Thomas “Fats” Waller was a highly influential jazz pianist, singer, and songwriter who helped to shape the sound of jazz during the swing era. Born in New York City in 1904, Waller began playing the piano at a young age and quickly gained a reputation as a virtuosic performer. He was known for his playful and energetic style, his infectious humor, and his ability to blend jazz and popular music styles. Over the course of his career, Waller wrote or co-wrote many popular songs that became jazz standards, including “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” and “The Joint Is Jumpin’.” Despite his relatively brief career, Waller’s influence on jazz music has been profound, and his music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans and musicians around the world.
Quotes about Fats Waller
“Fats Waller was one of the greatest pianists and entertainers in the history of jazz. He brought joy to millions of people with his music.” – Duke Ellington
“Fats Waller was a master of the keyboard and a true showman. He had an incredible sense of humor and his music was always filled with joy and energy.” – Count Basie
“Fats Waller was a giant of jazz, and his music continues to influence and inspire musicians today.” – Herbie Hancock
“Fats Waller was not only a great musician, but he was also a great entertainer. He knew how to connect with an audience and make them feel something special.” – Harry Connick Jr.
“Fats Waller had a way of playing the piano that was both powerful and playful. He had a unique style that was all his own.” – Norah Jones
“Fats Waller was a true original. He had a larger-than-life personality and a musical talent to match.” – Tony Bennett
“Fats Waller was a true master of his craft. His music was both innovative and timeless, and it will always be remembered.” – Diana Krall
“Fats Waller was one of the most important figures in the history of jazz. His influence can be heard in the work of countless musicians who came after him.” – Michael Bublé
“Fats Waller had a way of making people smile with his music. He had a joy and a love of life that was infectious.” – Jamie Cullum
“Fats Waller was a true original, a musician who created his own sound and style. His music will always be remembered and cherished.” – Wynton Marsalis
Fats Waller Personal Life
Fats Waller had a complex personal family life. He was married twice, first to Edith Hatchett in 1926, and then to Anita Rutherford in 1936. He also had several children, including one with each of his wives.
Waller’s personal life was often marked by turmoil and difficulties. He struggled with alcoholism and was known for his extravagant and sometimes reckless behavior. Despite these challenges, however, he was widely regarded as a kind and generous person who was beloved by many.
Waller’s family life was also complicated by the racial tensions of the time. He was a black musician in a segregated society, and his relationships with white women were often met with disapproval and hostility from both white and black communities.
Despite these challenges, Fats Waller remained devoted to his family throughout his life. He wrote many songs about his wife and children, including the popular tune “Your Feet’s Too Big,” which was inspired by his daughter’s large feet. He also maintained close relationships with his siblings and other family members, and his music was often a source of joy and comfort for them.
Fats Waller Awards
Fats Waller did not receive any major awards during his lifetime, as formal recognition for jazz musicians was not yet widespread during the early part of the 20th century. However, he was widely recognized as one of the most important and influential musicians of his time, and his contributions to the world of jazz music continue to be celebrated today.
In 1970, Waller was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in recognition of his many contributions to the world of popular music. He was also posthumously awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1989, which recognized his lasting impact on the world of jazz music.
This Jazz Inspiration Profile is sponsored by Sacramento Top 10, the best local list of professional services, contractors, restaurants, real estate and more.
Musicians Were Inspired by Fats
Fats Waller was a highly influential musician who inspired many other jazz musicians who followed in his footsteps. Some of the musicians who were directly inspired by Waller include:
- Art Tatum – Tatum was a virtuosic pianist who was known for his lightning-fast runs and his ability to improvise complex arrangements on the spot. He was heavily influenced by Fats Waller’s playful and energetic style.
- Nat King Cole – Cole was a singer and pianist who rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s. He was inspired by Waller’s smooth and soulful playing style, and he often covered Waller’s songs in his own recordings.
- Count Basie – Basie was a bandleader and pianist who helped to popularize the swing era during the 1930s and 1940s. He was influenced by Waller’s use of rhythm and his ability to make jazz accessible to wider audiences.
- Teddy Wilson – Wilson was a pianist who was known for his delicate touch and his ability to blend classical music with jazz. He was influenced by Waller’s technical proficiency and his ability to infuse jazz with humor and personality.
Overall, Fats Waller’s influence can be heard in the playing styles of countless jazz musicians who followed in his footsteps. His legacy continues to inspire and inform the world of jazz music today.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Fats Waller
Fats Waller
Harlem stride piano is a style of piano playing that emerged in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City during the 1920s and 1930s. It is characterized by a strong, percussive left-hand rhythm that alternates between bass notes and chords, and a more improvisational right-hand melody that often includes flourishes and runs.
Harlem stride piano was popularized by a number of influential jazz pianists, including James P. Johnson, Fats Waller, and Willie “The Lion” Smith. These musicians helped to define the sound of stride piano and establish it as a key style of jazz during the swing era.
Stride piano was particularly notable for its technical complexity and its ability to showcase the virtuosity of pianists. It was often used as an accompaniment to other musicians, such as jazz singers or horn players, and helped to create a lively and energetic sound that was associated with the Harlem jazz scene.
Overall, Harlem stride piano played an important role in the development of jazz music during the early part of the 20th century, and its influence can still be heard in the playing styles of many jazz pianists today.
Yes!
‘Fats’ Waller Stomp
“Fats” Waller’s Original E Flat Blues
(I’m Gonna See You) When Your Troubles Are Just Like Mine
(Oh Suzannah) Dust Off That Old Pianna
(Take Me Back To) The Wide Open Spaces
(You Know It All) Smarty
(You’re Some) Pretty Doll
(You’re Some) Pretty Doll, Pt. 3
(You’re Some) Pretty Doll, Pt. 2
12th Street Rag
A Good Man Is Hard to Find
A Hopeless Love Affair
A Little Bit Dependent
A Porter’s Love Song To A Chambermaid
A Rhyme For Love
A Shine On Your Shoes/Louisiana Hayride
A Sweet Beginning Like This
A Thousand Dreams Of You
A-Tisket, A-Tasket
Abdullah
Abercrombie Had a Zombie
African Ripples
After You’ve Gone
Ain’t Got Nobody To Grind Ma Coffee
Ain’t Misbehavin’
Ain’t Misbehavin’/Two Sleepy People
All God’s Chillun Got Wings
All My Life
All That Meat and No Potatoes
Alligator Crawl
Am I In Another World?
Anita
Anything That Happens Just Pleases Me
Arkansas Blues
Armful O’ Sweetness
At Twilight
Baby Brown
Baby, Oh! Where Can You Be?
Back In Your Own Back Yard
Back Up To Me
Back-Bitin’ Mama
Basin Street Blues
Beale Street Blues
Beat It Out
Because Of Once Upon a Time
Believe It, Beloved
Bessie, Bessie, Bessie
Big Business – Part 1
Big Business – Part 2
Big Chief De Sota
Birmingham Blues
Black Maria
Black Raspberry Jam
Bless You
Blue Because Of You
Blue Black Bottom Stomp
Blue Eyes
Blue, Turning Grey Over You
Blues – Fats Waller
Bond Street
Boo-Hoo
Bouncin’ on a V-Disc
Breakin’ The Ice
Brother, Seek And Ye Shall Find
Buck Jumpin’
Buckin’ the Dice
But Not for Me
By the Light of the Silvery Moon
Bye-Bye Florence
Bye, Bye, Baby
Cabin In the Sky
Carolina Shout
Cash for Your Trash
Chances Are
Chant of the Groove
Cheatin’ on Me
Chelsea
Chicago Blues
China Boy
Chloe
Christopher Columbus
Cinders
Clarinet Marmalade
Clothes Line Ballet
Come and Get It
Come Down to Earth, My Angel
Copper Colored Gal
Cottage in the Rain
Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray
Cross Patch’
Cryin’ Mood
Dallas Blues
Dancing Fool
Dancing Fool, Pt. 2
Dancing Fool, Pt. 3
Darktown Strutters’ Ball
Deep River
Did Anyone Ever Tell You?
Dinah
Do Me A Favor
Do You Have to Go?
Don’t Give Me That Jive
Don’t Let It Bother You
Don’t Try To Cry Your Way Back To Me
Don’t Try Your Jive on Me
Don’t You Know Or Don’t You Care?
Draggin’ My Heart Around
Dream Man
Dry Bones
Eep, Ipe, Wanna Piece of Pie
Eqyptian-Ella
Every Day’s a Holiday
Everybody Loves My Baby
Fair and Square
Fat And Greasy
Fats’ Waller Stomp
Floatin’ Down To Cotton Town
Florence
Florida Flo
Fractious Fingering
Functionizin’
Garbo Green
Gee, Ain’t I Good To You?
Geechee
Georgia Grind
Georgia Grind, Pt. 2
Georgia Grind, Pt. 3
Georgia on My Mind
Georgia Rockin’ Chair
Georgie May
Getting Much Lately? (Ain’t Nothin’ to It)
Girls Like You Were Meant For Boys Like Me
Gladyse
Go Down Moses
Goin’ About
Gone But Not Forgotten
Good for Nothin’ But Love
Got a Bran’ New Suit
Got No Time
Hallelujah
Hallelujah! Things Look Rosy Now
Handful Of Keys
Harlem Fuss
Hat To Talk About Myself
Have A Little Dream On Me
Havin’ A Ball
He’s Gone Away
Headlines in the News
Hey! Stop Kissin’ My Sister
Hog-Maw Stomp
Hold My Hand
Hold Tight
Honey Hush
Honeysuckle Rose
How Can I?
How Can You Face Me?
How Long Has This Been Going On?
How Ya Baby?
I Adore You
I Ain’t Got Nobody
I Believe In Miracles
I Can’t Break the Habit Of You
I Can’t Give You Anything But Love
I Got Rhythm
I Got The Ritz From The One I Love
I Just Made Up With That Old Girl Of Mine
I Love To Whistle
I Need Someone Like You
I Repent
I Simply Adore You
I Understand
I Used to Love You
I Wish I Had You
I Wish I Were Twins
I Won’t Believe It
I Would Do Anything For You
I’d Rather Call You Baby
I’ll Dance at Your Wedding
I’ll Just Stand And Ring My Hands And Cry
I’ll Never Forgive Myself
I’ll Never Smile Again
I’m a Hundred Per Cent For You
I’m Always In the Mood For You
I’m At the Mercy Of Love
I’m Crazy ‘Bout My Baby
I’m Going To See My Ma
I’m Gonna Put You In Your Place
I’m Gonna Salt Away Some Sugar
I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself a Letter
I’m Growing Fonder Of You
I’m On a See-Saw
I’m Sorry Dear
I’m Sorry I Made You Cry
I’ve Got a Crush on You
I’ve Got A Feeling I’m Falling
I’ve Got a New Lease On Love
I’ve Got My Fingers Crossed
I’ve Got The Joogie Blues
I’d Love It
I’ll Dance at Your Wedding
I’ll Never Forgive Myself
I’m Cert’ny Gonna See ‘Bout That
I’m Coming Virginia
I’m Crazy ‘Bout My Baby
If I Were You
If It Isn’t Love
Imagine My Surprise
In Harlem’s Araby
In the Gloaming
Inside (This Heart Of Mine)
It’s a Sin To Tell a Lie
It’s No Fun
It’s the Tune That Counts
It’s You Who Taught It to Me
Jealous Of Me
Just As Long As the World Goes ‘Round And ‘Round
Keepin’ Out Of Mischief Now
Kiss Me with Your Eyes
La-De-De, La-De-Da
Last Go Round Blues
Last Night a Miracle Happened
Latch On
Lenox Avenue Blues
Let’s Break the Good News
Let’s Get Away from It All
Let’s Pretend There’s A Moon
Let’s Sing Again
Lies
Limehouse
Little Curly Hair in a High Chair
Liver Lip Jones
Loafin’ Time
Lonesome Road
Lookin’ For Another Sweetie
Lookin’ Good But Feelin’ Bad
Lost And Found
Lost Love
Louisiana Fairy Tale
Lounging At the Waldorf
Love Me Or Leave Me
Love, I’d Give My Life for You
Loveless Love
Lulu’s Back In Town
Mama’s Got The Blues
Mama’s Losin’ A Mighty Good Chance
Mamacita
Mandy
Marie
Martinique
Maybe Someday
Maybe-Who Knows?
Mean Old Bed Bug Blues
Melancholy Baby
Messin’ Around With The Blues
Mighty Fine
Miss Hannah
Moon Rose
Moppin’ and Boppin’
More Power To You
Mournful Tho’ts
Muscle Shoals Blues
Music, Maestro, Please
My Fate Is In Your Hands
My Feelin’s Are Hurt
My First Impression Of You
My Mommie Sent Me to the Store
My Old Daddy’s Got A Brand New Way To Love
My Very Good Friend the Milkman
My Window Faces the South
Neglected
Nero
Night Wind
Nobody Knows De Trouble I See
Nobody Knows How Much I Love You
Not There, Right There
Numb Fumblin’
Oh Baby, Sweet Baby
Oh Sister Ain’t That Hot
Oh Sister Ain’t That Hot [Inc.]
Oh Sister Ain’t That Hot, Pt. 2
Oh Sister Ain’t That Hot, Pt. 3
Oh! Frenchy
Old Grand Dad
Old Plantation
On the Bumpy Road to Love
On the Sunny Side Of the Street
One In a Million
Oooh! Look-A-There, Ain’t She Pretty?
Organ Tests
Original Blues
Our Love Was Meant To Be
Pan-Pan
Pantin’ in the Panther Room
Pardon My Love
Paswonky
Patty Cake, Patty Cake
Peggy
Pent Up in a Penthouse
Persian Rug
Piccadilly
Plain Dirt
Please Keep Me In Your Dreams
Please Take Me Out Of Jail
Pleasure Mad
Preach The Word
Red Hot Dan
Remember Who You’re Promised To
Rhythm And Romance
Ridin’ But Walkin’
Ring dem Bells
Rockin’ Chair
Romance a La Mode
Rosetta
Royal Garden Blues
Rump Steak Serenade
S’posin’
Sad Sap Sucker Am I
San Anton’
Savannah Blues
Scram!
Send Me Jackson
Serenade For A Wealthy Widow
Shame! Shame!
She’s Tall, She’s Tan, She’s Terrific
Shortnin’ Bread
Shut Your Mouth
Sing An Old Fashioned Song
Sippi
Sister Kate
Six Or Seven Times
Skrontch’
Slightly Less Than Wonderful/There’s a Gal in My Life
Sloppy Water Blues
Smashing Thirds
Smoke Dreams of You
Soho
Solitude
Some Rainy Day
Somebody Stole My Gal
Someone to Watch Over Me
Something Tells Me
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
Soothin’ Syrup Stomp
Spreadin’ Rhythm Around
Spring Cleaning
Squabbling Blues
Square from Delaware
Squeeze Me
St Louis Blues
Star Dust
Stay
Stayin’ at Home
Step Up and Shake My Hand
Stingaree Blues
Stompin’ The Bug
Stop Pretending
Sugar
Sugar Blues
Sugar Rose
Suitcase Susie
Sweet And Low
Sweet Heartache
Sweet Savannah Sue
Sweet Sue
Sweet Thing
Sweetie Pie
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Swing out to Victory
Swinga-Dilla Street
Swingin’ Them Jingle Bells
Tain’t Good (Like a Nickel Made Of Wood)
Tain’t What You Do
Taint Nobody’s Bus’ness If I Do
Take It Easy
Tanglefoot
Tea For Two
Tell Me with Your Kisses
That Ain’t Right
That Gets It, Mr Joe
That Never To Be Forgotten Night
That Old Feeling
That’s All
That’s How I Feel Today
That’s What I Like About You
That’s What the Bird Said to Me
That’s What the Well-Dressed Man in Harlem Will Wear
The Bells of San Raquel
The Chant
The Christians’ Trouble Is Ended
The Curse Of an Aching Heart
The Digah’s Stomp
The Flat Foot Floogie
The Girl I Left Behind Me
The Henderson Stomp
The Jitterbug Waltz
The Joint Is Jumpin’
The Ladies Who Sing with the Band
The Love Bug Will Bite You
The Meanest Thing You Ever Did Was Kiss Me
The Minor Drag
The Moon Is Low
The Moon Is Low, Pt. 2
The More I Know You
The Panic Is On
The Rusty Pail
The Sheik Of Araby
The Spider and the Fly
The Way I Feel Today
Thief In the Night
Then I’ll Be Tired Of You
There Goes My Attraction
There’ll Be Some Changes Made
There’s Going To Be the Devil To Pay
There’s Honey on the Moon Tonight
This Is So Nice It Must Be Illegal/Martinique
Thou Swell
Tiger Rag
To a Sweet Pretty Thing
To a Wild Rose/Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Too Tired
Trixie Blues
Truckin’
True Friendship
Turn On The Heat
Twenty-Four Robbers
Two Bits (Really Fine)
Two Sleepy People
Undecided
Until the Real Thing Comes Along
Up Jumped You with Love
Us On a Bus
Valentine Stomp
Wait and See
Waitin’ At The End Of The Road
Waller Jive/Hallelujah
Wanna Hear Swing Songs
Water Boy
We Need a Little Love
We, The People
West Indies Blues
West Wind
What a Pretty Miss
What Do You Know About That
What Will I Do In the Morning?
What’s The Matter Now?
What’s the Reason (I’m Not Pleasin’ You?)
What’s The Use Of Being Alone?
When I’m Alone
When Love Is Young
When Somebody Thinks You’re Wonderful
When You’re with Somebody Else
Where Ever There’s A Will
Where Is the Sun?
Wherever There’s A Will, Baby
Whitechapel
Whiteman Stomp
Who’ll Take My Place?
Who’s Afraid Of Love?
Whose Honey Are You?
Why Do Hawaiians Sing Aloha?
Why Do I Lie To Myself About You?
Willow Tree
Winter Weather
Wipe ‘Em Off
Woe! Is Me
Won’t You Get Off It, Please?
Won’t You Take Me Home
Yacht Club Swing
Yellow Dog Blues
Yes Suh!
You Asked for It-You Got It
You Can’t Do What My Last Man Did
You Can’t Have Your Cake and Eat It
You Don’t Know My Mind Blues
You Don’t Understand
You Fit Into the Picture
You Get Mad
You Got Ev’rything A Sweet Mama Needs But Me
You Had An Evening To Spare
You Live On In Memory
You Look Good to Me
You Meet the Nicest People in Your Dreams
You Must Be Losing Your Mind
You Outsmarted Yourself
You Rascal You
You Run You Mouth, I’ll Run My Business
You Showed Me the Way
You Stayed Away Too Long
You Went To My Head
You’re a Viper (The Reefer Song)
You’re Gonna Be Sorry
You’re Laughing At Me
You’re Lettin’ the Grass Grow Under Your Feet
You’re My Dish
You’re Not the Kind
You’re Not The Only Oyster In The Stew
You’re So Darn Charming
You’re the Cutest One
You’re the Picture (I’m the Frame)
You’ve Been Reading My Mail
You’ve Been Taking Lessons In Love
You’ve Got Me Under Your Thumb
You’ve Got To Be Modernistic
Your Feet’s Too Big
Your Socks Don’t Match
Fats Waller’s legacy is that of a pioneering musician who helped to shape the sound of jazz during the swing era. His music continues to be celebrated and performed by jazz musicians today, and his influence can be heard in the playing styles of countless artists who followed in his footsteps. Additionally, his songs have been covered by a wide range of artists in various genres, demonstrating the enduring appeal and universality of his music.
Fats Waller was a highly influential figure in the world of jazz music. He was known for his virtuosic piano playing, his lively performances, and his unique blend of jazz and popular music styles. He helped to popularize the swing era during the 1930s and 1940s and inspired countless other jazz musicians with his innovative playing style and showmanship.
Some of Fats Waller’s most famous songs include “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” and “The Joint Is Jumpin’.
Anita O’Day, Art Tatum, Benny Goodman, Bill Haley & His Comets, Billie Holiday, Bing Crosby, Carmen McRae, Carol Channing, Cleo Laine, Count Basie, Dave Brubeck, Dinah Washington, Dizzy Gillespie, Django Reinhardt, Eartha Kitt, Elkie Brooks, Ella Fitzgerald, Eyran Katsenelenbogen, Floyd Pepper, Frankie Laine, Freddie White, Hank Williams Jr., Harry James, Helen O’Connell, Jo Stafford, Johnnie Ray, Johnny Hartman, Kay Starr, Keith Jarrett, Kermit Ruffins, Leon Redbone, Lionel Hampton, Maxine Sullivan, Miles Davis, Mos Def, Nat King Cole, Paul Whiteman, Ray Charles, Robson Green and Jerome Flynn, Sam Cooke, Sarah Vaughan, Sidney Bechet, Sonny Stitt, Tommy Bruce and the Bruisers, Tony Bennett, Willie Nelson
Fats Waller Songwriter
Fats Waller was not only a renowned pianist and performer, but he was also a prolific songwriter. He wrote or co-wrote many popular songs during his career, including some of his most famous tunes such as “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” and “The Joint Is Jumpin’.”
In addition to these well-known hits, Waller also wrote many other songs that have become jazz standards, including “The Jitterbug Waltz,” “Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now,” and “Squeeze Me.” He often collaborated with other songwriters and musicians, including Andy Razaf, Harry Brooks, and Ed Kirkeby.
Waller’s songs were known for their catchy melodies, clever lyrics, and lively rhythms. They often blended jazz and popular music styles, and many of them became major hits during the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s.
Today, Fats Waller’s songs continue to be celebrated and performed by jazz musicians and fans around the world. His virtuosic piano playing, infectious humor, and catchy compositions helped to define the sound of swing during the 1930s and 1940s, and his influence can be heard in the playing styles of countless musicians who followed in his footsteps. Beyond his music, Waller was also known for his larger-than-life personality and his ability to bring joy and laughter to audiences around the world. His legacy as a performer and songwriter is a testament to his enduring impact on the world of jazz music, and he will always be remembered as one of the most important and beloved figures in the history of the genre.
