| Thomas Wright "Fats" Waller was
born on May 21st, 1904 in New York City. His father, a clergyman, had hoped
that he would follow in his footsteps, but after a long series of private
lessons he became a professional pianist at the age of 15. Early in the
1920s, Waller became the protege of the famous pianist James P. Johnson.
(More than any one person, pianist James P Johnson was responsible for
Waller's entry into the jazz world. His continual encouragement, along
with his invaluable piano lessons. (he even provided Waller with his first
pair of long pants) He later accompanied such important vocalists as Florence
Hills and Bessie Smith. Fats made over five hundred recordings during his
lifetime. Fats Waller as the ultimate entertainer was recognized by those
thousands who snapped up his recordings as fast as they were released.
Impressive record sales were due largely to his ability to be a clown,
to be able to convert even the most inconsequential popular ballad into
a thing of joy... (continued page
2) |
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