Photo: New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer: Fisher, Alan, photographer. / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Fats Waller, born on May 21, 1904 in New York City, New York, United States, was a pianist, composer and singer. Fats Waller died on December 15, 1943, aged 39. Schooling on record includes DeWitt Clinton High School. Listed accolades include Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1993).
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
- Occupation
- pianist / composer / singer / songwriter / jazz musician
2. Background
- High school
- DeWitt Clinton High School
Awards & achievements
- 1993 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
3. Links
4. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-20
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Fats Waller born?
Born May 21, 1904.
When did Fats Waller die?
Died December 15, 1943, aged 39.
Where was Fats Waller from?
Fats Waller was from New York City, New York, United States.
What did Fats Waller do?
Fats Waller worked as pianist, composer, singer, songwriter, jazz musician.
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