In Memory, Fats Waller

Thomas Wright "Fats" Waller

May 21, 1904 - December 15, 1943

American jazz pianist, organist, composer, and singer

Well known in the jazz and swing eras

Critical and commercial success in the United States and Europe

Most known compositions - "Ain't Misbehavin'" & "Honeysuckle Rose" (Grammy Hall of Fame, 1984 & 1999)

Copyrighted over 400 songs

Point of intrigue - When Fats Waller was in financial need, he would sell his work to other writers and performers to claim them as their own.

Career

1920s, 1930s, 1940s

Recognition -

Songwriters Hall of Fame (1970)

Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame (1989)

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1993)

Jazz at Lincoln Center: Nesuhi Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame (2005)

Gennett Records Walk of Fame (2008)

Selected Works

Recordings

Instrumental - Piano Solo, Organ Solo

Songs

Stage

Film

Fats Wallers passed away at the age of 39 from pneumonia.  Prior to his death, Wallers had taken to heavy drinking, working late hours, and excessive food intake with weight estimated at 285 pounds.  

Fats Waller married twice.  

His first marriage to Edith Hatch resulted in a son.  Her parents did not approve of his occupation.  She was unhappy over his financial instability, "unsociable hours," and lack of time and attention from him.  Waller and Hatch divorced in 1923.  Waller failed to pay child support and alimony, leading to several court appearances and time in jail.  His will left her the minimum amount by law with possibly nothing if the law changed between the time of drafting and his death.  

His second marriage to Anita Rutherford resulted in two sons.  They were married at the time of his death.

Fats Waller had a professional background spanning close to three decades.  He attracted the attention of many record labels.  He attracted thousands after his passing.  He attracted. ... "always played to a packed house" - Adam Clayton Powell Jr. (Quote from Powell's eulogy at Waller's funeral)

Fats Waller's ashes were spread over Harlem by airplane piloted by a WWI and Spanish Civil War pilot known as the "Black Ace."

(Wikipedia)

Fats Waller lived a short but profound life with impact on music and the theatrical arts that are well known today.