Table of Contents
Was Fats Waller good?
He became one of the most popular and influential performers of his era and a master of stride piano playing, finding critical and commercial success in both the United States and abroad, particularly in Europe. Waller was also a prolific songwriter, with many of his compositions becoming huge commercial successes.
Who was the greatest stride pianist?
Stride jazz piano, often abbreviated to stride, is a jazz piano style that arose from ragtime players. Prominent stride pianists include James P….Stride (music)
| Stride | |
|---|---|
| Stylistic origins | Jazz ragtime |
| Cultural origins | 1920s |
| Derivative forms | Kansas City jazz |
Was Fats Waller considered a boogie woogie piano player?
Waller started playing the piano at the age of six, and became a professional organist at age of 15. By the age of 18, he was a recording artist. Waller’s first recordings, “Muscle Shoals Blues” and “Birmingham Blues”, were made in October 1922 for Okeh Records….
| Fats Waller | |
|---|---|
| Years active | 1918–1943 |
What was unique about Fats Waller?
He was the first jazz musician to master the organ, and he appeared in several films, including Stormy Weather (1943). Usually remembered as a genial clown, he is of lasting importance as one of the greatest of all jazz pianists and as a gifted songwriter, whose work in both fields was rhythmically contagious.
Who mentored Fats Waller?
James P. Johnson
However Fats Waller topped them all with his contributions in five different but overlapping areas. First and foremost, Waller was one of jazz’s greatest stride pianists, following in the footsteps and eventually surpassing his mentor and idol James P. Johnson.
What are songs Fats Waller is known for?
African American pianist Fats Waller wrote such jazz standards as “Ain’t Misbehavin'” and earned fame for his comedic radio performances in the 1930s.
Is Carolina Shout ragtime?
The Carolina Shout – Ragtime and Jazz Piano with Ethan Uslan on Apple Podcasts. The Carolina Shout is a podcast about ragtime, New Orleans jazz, Harlem stride piano, and swing. Ethan Uslan is the pianist and host who performs live from his living room and offers up fun commentary and stories about the music.
Who taught Fats Waller?
After his mother died when he was 14, Waller moved into the home of pianist Russell Brooks, where he met and studied with James P. Johnson. Later, Waller also received classical lessons from Carl Bohm and the famous pianist Leopold Godowsky.
How much did Fats Waller weigh?
300 pounds
His nickname came about because he weighed nearly 300 pounds (136 kg). His weight and drinking are believed to have contributed to his death. Waller also made a successful tour of the British Isles in the late 1930’s, and appeared in one of the earliest BBC Television broadcasts.
Was Duke Ellington a good pianist?
Ellington also led one of the longest-lived and most stable bands in jazz history. New research also points to Ellington’s inventiveness and originality as a pianist. Ellington initiated a percussive strain in jazz piano style, and evidence points to mutual influences between him and Thelonious Monk.