Fats Waller Birthday – Jazz pianist virtuoso, organist, composer and grand entertainer, Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller was born on May 21, 1904 in Harlem, New York.
Al Capone’s Unusual Birthday Gift
The kidnapping of Fats Waller for Al Capone’s birthday is a true story that took place on May 21, 1926. Fats Waller was a popular jazz pianist and composer, known for his hit songs such as “Ain’t Misbehavin'” and “Honeysuckle Rose.”
On the night of May 20, 1926, Fats Waller was performing at the Sherman Hotel in Chicago, which was owned by Al Capone. Capone was a notorious gangster and bootlegger who was also a big fan of jazz music. He had invited Fats Waller to perform at his birthday party, which was scheduled for the following day.
However, instead of waiting for Waller to show up at the party, Capone’s henchmen decided to surprise him with an early present, Fats Waller! from the Sherman Hotel. They kidnapped Waller from the Sherman Hotel, bundled him into a waiting car and drove him to Capone’s headquarters, where he was held captive.
While Waller was being held, Capone’s men reportedly treated him well, offering him food, drink, and even a massage. However, Waller was understandably terrified and begged to be released.
After several hours, Capone himself intervened and ordered Waller’s release. He apologized for the incident and even gave Waller a wad of cash as a way of making amends.
Despite the terrifying experience, Waller went on to perform at Capone’s party the following day. He later wrote a humorous song about the incident called “The Boy in the Boat,” which became a popular hit.
The kidnapping of Fats Waller for Al Capone’s birthday is now considered a bizarre footnote in the history of jazz and organized crime.
Perhaps he sang this song to Capone …
Fats Waller shares his birthday with these jazz musicians:
- Adam Pfannenstiel
- Avreeayl Ra
- Bill Holman
- Bobby Deitch
- Bren Plummer
- Brian E Harmon
- Brian Walsh
- Carol Stevens
- Christoph Gallio
- Cody McKinney
- Daniel Dyonisius
- Dave Markivee
- Dave Ridnell
- Joseph Frame
- Larance Marable
- Lee Wallace
- Lewis Barnes
- Marc Ribot
- MarieVeronique Bourque
- Matthew Von Doran
- Mo Van Der Does
- Raymond Moore
- Reinhardt Martinho
- Ron Hart
- Salhi Fayçal
- Sergio Lara
- Stefan Bongiu
- Sylvia Bennett
- Tine Bruhn
- Yuko Okamoto