Thomas Wright WallerThomas Wright Waller, (born May 21, 1904, New York City, New York, U.S.—died December 15, 1943, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.), American pianist and composer who was one of the few outstanding jazz musicians to win wide commercial fame, though this was achieved at a cost of obscuring his purely …

What was Fats Waller’s first name?

Jazz pianist virtuoso, organist, composer and grand entertainer, Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller was born on May 21, 1904 in Harlem, New York.

Why was Fats Waller called fats?

His father, wanting him to become a Pastor like himself, took him to see the pianist Paderewski, in concert, but “Fats”, as his friends called him because of his stoutness, preferred the ragtime of Tom Turpin and Scott Joplin or the “stride piano” being heard in jazz clubs.

What was the cause of death of Fats Waller?

Waller contracted pneumonia and died on December 15, 1943, while traveling aboard the famous cross-country Los Angeles–Chicago train the Super Chief near Kansas City, Missouri.

Which stride pianist was the biggest celebrity?

Fats Waller



He was one of the greatest pianists and songwriters in the history of jazz. He was one of the most popular entertainers of his time.

Who taught Fats Domino?

guitarist Harrison Verrett

Altogether his relaxed, stylized recordings of the 1950s and ’60s sold some 65 million copies, making him one of the most popular performers of the early rock era. From a musical family, Domino received early training from his brother-in-law, guitarist Harrison Verrett.

Who discovered fat?

C.W. Scheele, a Swedish chemist, discovered in 1779 that glycerol could be obtained from olive oil by heating it with litharge (lead monoxide), but it was not until about 1815 that the French chemist Michel-Eugène Chevreul (1786–1889) demonstrated the chemical nature of fats and oils.

Was Fats Domino in Hurricane Katrina?

Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans fourteen years ago, today, causing levee breaches throughout the city. The Lower Ninth Ward, where Domino lived, quickly filled with floodwater, and the music legend had to be rescued by boat.

Who was the first important jazz composer?

Jelly Roll Morton

Jelly Roll Morton became recognized as the first great jazz composer.

Who was the first important jazz composer?

Jelly Roll Morton

Jelly Roll Morton became recognized as the first great jazz composer.

Where was Fats Domino discovered?

New Orleans

Singer and pianist Fats Domino channeled his roots in New Orleans‘ thriving music scene to become a pioneering rock ‘n’ roll star. He made a splash with his first release, “The Fat Man” (1949), and later earned widespread fame with tracks like “Ain’t That a Shame” (1955) and “Blueberry Hill” (1956).

Did Jelly Roll Morton invent jazz?

According to jazz historians, when Jelly Roll Morton said, “I invented jazz,” there was a lot to his claim. Buddy Bolden may have been the first musician to add improvisation to what would eventually become known as jazz, but Jelly Roll Morton is regarded as the first true jazz composer.