fats waller

Fats Waller was a famous composer and pianist in the 1920’s who staged shows in the local Harlem club, Connie’s Inn. Fats Waller was the son of a preacher and learned to play the organ in church with his mother. He learned many songs by watching a Pianola and placing his fingers over the keys as it played. In 1922 he began his recording career while taking lessons from James P. Johnson who wrote “Carolina Shout”. While he was beginning his recording career, he played at rent parties and as an organist at movie theaters. He also helped co-write some songs with Johnson for his Broadway show, “Keep Shufflin’.” Fats and his lyrici...