Photo: New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer: Fisher, Alan, photographer. / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
My Take
Fats Waller is one of those musicians who makes me smile before he even reaches the chorus. A master of stride piano from New York, he played with a warmth and mischievous joy that few have matched, his left hand keeping time while his right sang. He died far too young at 39, yet the songs endure, and the 1993 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award felt overdue rather than generous. What I love is how he chose lightness in heavy times, using humor to lift his listeners. For me he is the perfect cure for a gloomy morning.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Fats Waller
- Name (Japanese)
- ファッツ・ウォーラー
- Reading
- ふぁっつ・うぉーらー
- Born
- May 21, 1904 – December 15, 1943
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Gemini / Dragon
- Origin
- New York City, New York, United States
- Blood type
- Private
- Height
- Private
- Agency
- Private
- Occupation
- pianist / composer / singer / songwriter / jazz musician
2. Background
- Elementary school
- Private
- Junior high
- Private
- High school
- DeWitt Clinton High School
- University
- Private
Awards & achievements
- 1993 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
3. Relationships
- Spouse
- Private
- Children
- Private
- Parents
- Private
- Siblings
- Private
4. Personality
Motto
Private
6. Links
Frequently asked questions
When was Fats Waller born?
May 21, 1904 – December 15, 1943.
Where is Fats Waller from?
Fats Waller is from New York City, New York, United States.
What does Fats Waller do?
Fats Waller works as pianist, composer, singer, songwriter, jazz musician.
Pianist — see all → · Composer — see all → · More people from United States →
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-20
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public items are marked "Private / Unknown". English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.