Waller, ‘Fats’

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Waller, ‘Fats’ ( Thomas Wright) (b NY, 1904; d Kansas City, 1943). Amer. jazz pianist, organist, and composer. Studied pf. with Carl Bohm and later with Leopold Godowsky, while working from age of 14 as organist in Harlem film th. Encouraged by jazz pianist James P. Johnson. Made nearly 500 records, wrote about 400 copyright works, and many more without copyright. Comp. mus. comedy Hot Chocolates, 1929 (which contained song Ain't Misbehavin’), and the song Honeysuckle Rose, c.1928. After working with Ted Lewis and Jack Teagarden, formed his own band, Fats Waller and his Rhythm, 1934. His amusing vocal style masked the serious and influential qualities of his piano-playing. Appeared in films.