Fats Waller was a legendary jazz pianist, organist, composer, and singer known for his lively and humorous performances during the Swing Era of the 1930s and 40s. Born in New York City in 1904, Waller began playing piano at a young age and became a professional musician by his teens. He worked as a solo artist and in bands, and was known for his virtuosic improvisations and infectious personality.
Waller’s music was a blend of jazz, blues, and stride piano, and his lyrics often featured clever wordplay and humorous themes. He had a string of popular hits, including “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” and “The Joint Is Jumpin’.” Waller was also a prolific composer, writing hundreds of songs and instrumental pieces during his career.
Despite his success, Waller faced discrimination as a black musician in the Jim Crow era, and his recordings were often marketed to white audiences. He died in 1943 at the age of 39 from pneumonia, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most beloved and influential figures in jazz history. Today, Waller’s music continues to be celebrated for its joyous spirit and timeless appeal.
1. Ain’t Misbehavin’
“Ain’t Misbehavin'” is a classic jazz standard by American pianist and singer Fats Waller, written in 1929. The song features a lively and swinging melody, with Waller’s vocals and piano providing a joyful and playful expression of love. The song’s lyrics describe the joy of being in love and the desire to stay true to one’s partner. The song’s melody is infectious and memorable, with a rhythmic and upbeat feel that showcases Waller’s virtuosic piano playing and charismatic vocals. “Ain’t Misbehavin'” is a timeless classic of jazz and swing music, and a testament to Waller’s talent as a composer and performer.
2. Honeysuckle Rose
“Honeysuckle Rose” is a classic jazz standard written by Fats Waller and Andy Razaf, first recorded by Waller in 1929. The song has since been covered by many jazz musicians and remains a beloved classic of the genre. Waller’s version features his distinctive stride piano style and energetic vocals, with a catchy melody and swinging rhythm that typify the sound of the era. The song’s lyrics, which describe the joys of love and romance, add to its appeal, making it a popular choice for jazz musicians and audiences alike. “Honeysuckle Rose” is a timeless classic and a testament to Waller’s status as a pioneering figure in the history of jazz music.
3. Handful of Keys
“Handful of Keys” is a lively and energetic piano instrumental piece by Fats Waller, showcasing his virtuosic playing style and musical dexterity. It was recorded in 1929 and remains one of Waller’s most popular compositions. The song features an infectious melody with a boogie-woogie style left-hand accompaniment, while the right hand plays rapid, intricate runs up and down the keyboard. Waller’s unique style, incorporating jazz, swing, and blues elements, is on full display in this playful and upbeat tune. “Handful of Keys” is a classic example of Waller’s enduring musical legacy, which continues to influence and inspire pianists and jazz musicians to this day.
4. I Can’t Give You Anything but Love
“I Can’t Give You Anything but Love” is a classic jazz standard by American pianist and singer Fats Waller, written in 1928. The song features a romantic and dreamy melody, with Waller’s vocals and piano providing a tender and heartfelt expression of love. The song’s lyrics describe the limitations of material wealth in comparison to the value of love and companionship. The song’s melody is beautiful and memorable, with a gentle and soothing feel that perfectly complements the sentiment of the lyrics. “I Can’t Give You Anything but Love” is a timeless classic of jazz and swing music, and a testament to Waller’s skill as a composer and performer.
5. The Joint Is Jumpin’
“The Joint Is Jumpin'” is a classic jazz song written by Fats Waller, Harry White and J.C. Johnson, and famously performed by Waller. The song was first recorded in 1937 and has since become a beloved classic of the genre, with its catchy melody and upbeat tempo capturing the spirit of the era. Waller’s distinctive piano playing and lively vocals add to the song’s infectious energy, making it a favorite among jazz fans and dancers alike. With its lively lyrics and swinging rhythm, “The Joint Is Jumpin'” remains a timeless classic and a testament to Waller’s enduring legacy as a jazz musician and songwriter.
6. Your Feet’s Too Big
“Your Feet’s Too Big” is a humorous and playful song by Fats Waller, released in 1936. The song features Waller’s signature stride piano style and his distinctively humorous lyrics. The song was a huge commercial success for Waller and is considered one of his most popular and enduring recordings. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. The lyrics playfully poke fun at the oversized feet of the listener’s significant other, with Waller’s playful and spirited vocal performance perfectly capturing the lighthearted nature of the song. The song’s catchy melody and playful lyrics make it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by audiences today.
7. Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now
“Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now” is a classic jazz standard by American pianist and singer Fats Waller, written in 1932. The song features a lively and swinging melody, with Waller’s vocals and piano providing a playful and upbeat expression of enjoying life without getting into trouble. The song’s lyrics describe the pleasure of simple pleasures, like taking a walk or playing music, as a way to stay out of trouble. The song’s melody is infectious and memorable, with a rhythmic and upbeat feel that showcases Waller’s virtuosic piano playing and charismatic vocals. “Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now” is a timeless classic of jazz and swing music, and a testament to Waller’s talent as a composer and performer.
8. Squeeze Me
“Squeeze Me” is a jazz standard composed by Fats Waller with lyrics by Clarence Williams. It was first recorded in 1925 by Waller and his Rhythm and has since become a popular song for jazz musicians to cover. The song features Waller’s signature stride piano playing style, with a playful and bouncy melody that perfectly captures the upbeat, optimistic mood of the jazz age. The lyrics of “Squeeze Me” are filled with innuendo and double entendres, adding to the song’s charm and making it a favorite of jazz enthusiasts. With its irresistible melody and playful lyrics, “Squeeze Me” remains a classic of the genre and a testament to Waller’s enduring influence on jazz music.
9. Black and Blue
“Black and Blue” is a song composed by Fats Waller, Harry Brooks, and Andy Razaf in 1929, and it became one of Waller’s most famous and enduring compositions. It is a commentary on racism, discrimination, and the struggles of being black in America, with lyrics that express the pain and indignity of prejudice and segregation. Despite the heavy subject matter, the song has a lively and upbeat tune, with Waller’s signature stride piano playing and catchy melody. The song became a hit in its time, and it has been covered by countless musicians over the years, including Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennett. “Black and Blue” is a testament to Waller’s enduring legacy as both a talented musician and a socially conscious artist.
10. Two Sleepy People
“Two Sleepy People” is a classic jazz standard by American pianist and singer Fats Waller, written in 1938 with lyrics by Frank Loesser. The song features a sweet and romantic melody, with Waller’s vocals and piano providing a tender and heartfelt expression of two people falling in love. The song’s lyrics describe the endearing and quirky moments that happen when two people are so in love that they don’t want to go to bed. The song’s melody is charming and catchy, with a warm and sentimental feel that perfectly captures the mood of the lyrics. “Two Sleepy People” is a timeless classic of jazz and swing music, and a testament to Waller’s skill as a composer and performer.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
