“the soul of melody... a man who made the piano sing... both big in body and in mind... known for his generosity... a bubbling bundle of joy” — Andy Razaf (long-time collaborator) on Fats Waller

Thomas Wright Waller, better known as Fats Waller, started his career as a pianist and organist at the age of 15. Over the next two decades, he would become one of the most notable jazz entertainers and composers of his time. He’s credited to have written over 400 songs, though that number is believed to be higher as he sold away the rights to many songs, including perhaps his most well known “Ain’t Misbehavin.” His compositions and play style brought stride piano into vogue. Whether you’re listening to Fats Waller’s recordings or watching him on film, it’s hard not to be entertained.

Watch Fats Waller perform “Ain’t Misbehavin’” from the movie Stormy Weather: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSNPpssruFY&ab_channel=bessjazz

Here’s Fats performing “Your Feet’s Too Big”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in1eK3x1PBI&ab_channel=0dot0

Check out this episode’s companion playlist on Spotify for all featured songs and bonus recordings. View a transcript of this episode here.

Song List:

“Ain’t Misbehavin;” Performed by Fats Waller; Written by Fats Waller & His Rhythm, Andy Razaf & Harry Brooks; RCA Records, 1943

“Somebody Stole My Gal; Performed by Fats Waller & His Rhythm; Written by Leo Wood; BMG Music, 1935

“Handful of Keys;” Performed by Fats Waller; Written by Fats Waller; RCA Victor, 1929

“The Henderson Stomp;” Performed by Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra; Written by Fletcher Henderson & Fats Waller; Columbia Records 1926

“Messin’ Around with the Blues;” Performed by Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller; Written by Phil Worde & Thomas Waller; RCA Victor, 1927

“Squeeze Me;” Performed by Fats Waller & His Rhythm; Written by Clarence Williams; BMG Music, 1939

“Honeysuckle Rose;” Performed by Fats Waller; Composed by Fats Waller & Andy Razaf; RCA Records, 1956

“Clothesline Ballet;” Performed by Fats Waller; Composed by Fats Waller; ??? 1934

“The Jitterbug Waltz;” Performed by Fats Waller & His Rhythm and His Orchestra; Written by Fats Waller; RCA Records, 1942

“Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child;” Performed by Fats Waller; Written by William E. Barton; Giant Step Records, 1938

“The London Suite (Soho);” Performed by Fats Waller; Written by Fats Waller; 1939

“Your Feet’s Too Big;” Performed by Fats Waller; Written by Ada Benson & Fred Fisher; BMG Music, 1939

“Dinah;” Performed by Fats Waller & His Rhythm; Written by S. Lewis, J. Young, & H. Akst; BMG Music, 1935

“Black and Blue” From Ain’t Misbehavin’; Performed by N. Carter, A. McQueen, K. Page, C. Woodard & A. DeShields; Written by Fats Waller; BMG Music, 1978