Happy Birthday to Fats Waller, born May 18, 1904

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Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller (May 21, 1904 – December 15, 1943) was an American jazz pianist, organist, composer, violinist, singer, and comedic entertainer. His innovations in the Harlem stride style laid the groundwork for modern jazz piano.

Selected discography

Waller recorded prolifically from 1922 until his death in 1943, principally for Victor, beginning in 1926. Posthumous compilations of his recordings include:

The Complete Fats Waller, Volume 1: 1934-35 (reissue), Volume 2: 1935 (reissue), Volume 3: 1935-36(reissue), Volume 4, Bluebird, 1987.

Fine Arabian Stuff, Muse.

Waller in London (recorded 1922-39), Swing.

The Joint Is Jumpin’ (recorded 1929-43), Bluebird, 1987.

The Last Years: Fats Waller and His Rhythm, 1940-43, Bluebird.

The Legendary Fats Waller (recorded 1929-38), RCA.

Fats Waller Live at the Yacht Club (recorded 1938), Giants of Jazz.

Fats Waller Live, Volume 2 (recorded 1938, 1940), Giants of Jazz.

Twenty Golden Pieces of Fats Waller, Bulldog.

Piano Solos: 1929-41, Bluebird.

Parlor Piano Solos, Volume I: Piano Rolls, 1923-24, Volume 2: 1924-31, Volume 3, Biograph.

Classic Jazz From Rare Piano Rolls (recorded 1923-27), Biograph, 1989.