Waller, Fats (Thomas Wright) (1904–1943)

US jazz pianist and composer. He had a forceful stride piano style. His songs, many of which have become jazz standards, include ‘Ain't Misbehavin’ (1929), ‘Honeysuckle Rose’ (1929), and ‘Viper's Drag’ (1934).

An exuberant, humorous performer, Waller toured extensively and appeared in several musical films, including Stormy Weather (1943). His first recordings were on piano rolls and in the 1920s he recorded pipe-organ solos. In the 1930s he worked with a small group (as Fats Waller and his Rhythm Boys), before leading a big band between 1939 and 1942.