Waller, Fats

(born May 21, 1904, New York, N.Y., U.S.—died Dec. 15, 1943, Kansas City, Mo.) U.S. jazz pianist, singer, and composer. Waller was influenced early by stride pianist James P. Johnson. He became an important exponent of stride piano by the late 1920s, recording solo piano pieces such as “Handful of Keys.” From 1934 he recorded with a small ensemble, Fats Waller and His Rhythm, integrating his vocals and unique comic timing with instrumental finesse. His rhythmically contagious performances of his own songs, such as “Ain't Misbehavin'” and “Honeysuckle Rose,” are timeless classics of jazz.