Fats Waller.

Thomas Wright Waller

Born 21 May 1904 New York City, United States

Died 15 Dec 1943 Kansas City, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 122 yr If Living

8 min read

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Oct 3, 2026

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TL;DR

Fats Waller, born Thomas Wright Waller in 1904, studied under James P. Johnson and recorded his first piano solos in 1923. He wrote songs like Ain’t Misbehavin and Honeysuckle Rose, formed his group Fats Waller and his Rhythm in 1934, and appeared in Stormy Weather 1943. He died of pneumonia on a train in 1943 at age 39.

Identity & family.

KIN · 2

Names, aliases, and relatives of Fats Waller — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Thomas Wright Waller

Aliases Waller, ''Fats'' Waller

Spouses: Anita Priscilla Rutherford Edith Hatchet

At a glance.

STATS

Fats Waller by the numbers — life, work, and family.

39 Years lived

1 Award

2 Marriages

Who was Fats Waller?

BIOGRAPHY

Fats Waller — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

At age six, Fats Waller began playing the piano in New York City. By age ten he was playing the organ at his father’s Baptist church. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School. He trained under James P. Johnson, a master of stride piano in the 1920s.

Career

In 1923, Fats Waller recorded his first piano solos. By the late 1920s, he was a composer for the revue Hot Chocolates, writing songs like Ain’t Misbehavin and Honeysuckle Rose. He copyrighted over 400 songs, many with lyricist Andy Razaf. In 1934, he formed Fats Waller and his Rhythm and recorded for RCA Victor. He toured the United Kingdom and Ireland in the 1930s and performed on one of the first BBC television broadcasts on September 30, 1938. He also appeared in films, including Stormy Weather in 1943 and King of Burlesque in 1936.

Personal life

Fats Waller married Edith Hatchet in 1920; they divorced in 1923. In 1926, he married Anita Priscilla Rutherford, who remained his wife until his death. He fathered three sons: Thomas Jr., Maurice, and Ronald. He was one of 11 children of a Baptist minister. In 1938, he broke racial barriers by purchasing a home in Addisleigh Park, Queens, a neighborhood with racially restrictive covenants.

Legacy

Fats Waller composed over 400 songs, many co-written with Andy Razaf, including jazz standards like Ain’t Misbehavin and Honeysuckle Rose. He received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970 and the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1989. He died at age 39, leaving a vast catalog of music.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 1

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Fats Waller — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 2

A wall of memorable lines from Fats Waller — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

One Never Knows, Do One?
What’s Jazz, Lady? If You Don’t Know, I Can’t Tell You.

Did you know?

FACTS · 15

Little-known facts about Fats Waller — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

One evening in Chicago in 1926, four henchmen kidnapped him and drove him to Al Capone’s Hawthorne Inn for a surprise birthday party performance. He played for three days, was treated royally, and left with pockets full of money.
He was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1989.
He was a jazz pianist and vocalist.
Before his solo career, he played with many performers, from Erskine Tate to Bessie Smith.
His nickname came about because he weighed nearly 300 pounds. His weight and extreme drinking habits are believed to have contributed to his death. Waller died of pneumonia aboard an eastbound train near Kansas City, Missouri, following a West Coast engagement.
He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970.
He was the son of a Baptist minister.
He started playing the piano at age six and graduated to playing the organ at his father’s church four years later.
Waller is believed to have composed many novelty tunes in the 1920s and 1930s and sold them for small sums, attributed to another composer and lyricist.
The Strong National Museum Of Play in Rochester, New York has one of his sheet music books.
He copyrighted over 400 songs, many co-written with his closest collaborator, Andy Razaf.
In 1938, Waller was one of the first African Americans to purchase a home in the Addisleigh Park section of St. Albans, Queens, a New York City community with racially restrictive covenants.
He played with Nathaniel Shilkret, Gene Austin, Erskine Tate, Fletcher Henderson, McKinney’s Cotton Pickers, and Adelaide Hall.
He enjoyed success touring the United Kingdom and Ireland in the 1930s, appearing on one of the first BBC television broadcasts on September 30, 1938, from the Alexandra Palace studios in London, performing ‘I’m Crazy Bout My Baby, Honeysuckle Rose, Neglected, Hallelujah, and Truckin.
His body was cremated and his ashes scattered over Harlem, New York by the Black Ace, a World War I aviator.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 34

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Fats Waller.

When was Fats Waller born?

Fats Waller was born on May 21, 1904, in New York City. He was the son of a Baptist minister and began playing piano at age six.
Where was Fats Waller born?

Fats Waller was born in New York City, New York, USA. He spent his early life there and later attended DeWitt Clinton High School.
When did Fats Waller die?

Fats Waller died on December 15, 1943, at the age of 39. He passed away from pneumonia aboard a train near Kansas City, Missouri.
How old was Fats Waller when he died?

Fats Waller was 39 years old when he died. His premature death cut short a prolific career in jazz.
Where did Fats Waller die?

Fats Waller died near Kansas City, Missouri, USA. He was on an eastbound train returning from a West Coast engagement when he succumbed to pneumonia.
How did Fats Waller die?

Fats Waller died of pneumonia. His heavy drinking and weight near 300 pounds are believed to have contributed to his death in 1943.
What was Fats Waller's real name?

Fats Waller’s real name was Thomas Wright Waller. He was known by his nickname Fats due to his large build.
What was Fats Waller's occupation?

Fats Waller was a music crew member, actor, and composer. He is most famous as a jazz pianist and songwriter.
What nationality was Fats Waller?

Fats Waller was an American. He was born and raised in New York City.
What language did Fats Waller speak?

Fats Waller spoke English as his native language. He was born in the United States.
Who was Fats Waller married to?

Fats Waller was married twice. He married Edith Hatchet in 1920 divorced 1923 and Anita Priscilla Rutherford in 1926 until his death.
Where did Fats Waller go to school?

Fats Waller attended DeWitt Clinton High School in New York City. He later studied piano with James P. Johnson.
What awards did Fats Waller win?

Fats Waller received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970 and the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1989.
How many awards did Fats Waller win?

Fats Waller won one major award, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He also received posthumous honors in Halls of Fame.
What is Fats Waller best known for?

Fats Waller is best known for his stride piano playing and compositions such as Ain’t Misbehavin and Honeysuckle Rose. He also appeared in the film Stormy Weather in 1943.
How tall was Fats Waller?

Fats Waller was 6 feet 0 inches tall, or 1.83 meters. Despite his height, he weighed nearly 300 pounds.
What are Fats Waller's aliases?

Fats Waller was known as Waller and ‘Fats’ Waller. His nickname Fats came from his large physique.
Did Fats Waller have children?

Yes, Fats Waller had three children: Thomas Waller Jr., Maurice Waller, and Ronald Waller. They were from his marriages.
Did Fats Waller have siblings?

Yes, Fats Waller had 10 siblings, including Alfred, William, Thadeus, Edward, and others. He came from a large family.
Who were Fats Waller's parents?

Fats Waller’s parents were Edward Martin Waller and Adeline Lockett. His father was a Baptist minister.
Who were Fats Waller's relatives?

Fats Waller’s relative includes a grandchild named Dorian Waller. He had many siblings and descendants.
How many award nominations did Fats Waller receive?

Fats Waller received one known nomination. He ultimately won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
What kind of music did Fats Waller play?

Fats Waller played jazz, specifically stride piano. He was one of the most important pianists in jazz history.
Who taught Fats Waller piano?

Fats Waller studied piano with James P. Johnson, a master of stride piano in the 1920s. This training influenced his style.
What group did Fats Waller form in 1934?

In 1934, Fats Waller formed his own group called Fats Waller and his Rhythm. They recorded many records for RCA Victor.
Which films did Fats Waller appear in?

Fats Waller appeared in films such as Stormy Weather 1943 and King of Burlesque 1936. He also appeared in Ain’t Misbehavin’ 1941.
What are some of Fats Waller's most famous songs?

Fats Waller’s most famous songs include Ain’t Misbehavin’, Honeysuckle Rose, and Black and Blue. He also wrote Blue Turned Grey Over You and Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now.
Did Fats Waller perform on television?

Yes, on September 30, 1938, Fats Waller performed on one of the first BBC television broadcasts from Alexandra Palace in London. He played songs like Honeysuckle Rose.
Where was Fats Waller cremated?

Fats Waller’s body was cremated and his ashes were scattered over Harlem, New York, by the Black Ace, a World War I aviator.
How many songs did Fats Waller copyright?

Fats Waller copyrighted over 400 songs. Many were co-written with his collaborator Andy Razaf.
Who was Fats Waller's frequent collaborator?

Fats Waller frequently collaborated with lyricist Andy Razaf. Together they wrote many of Waller’s greatest hits.
What was Fats Waller's nickname?

Fats Waller was nicknamed Fats because he weighed nearly 300 pounds. He also used Waller as a shortened name.
Did Fats Waller have a criminal incident?

Yes, in 1926 in Chicago, Fats Waller was kidnapped by henchmen and forced to perform at gangster Al Capone’s birthday party. He played for three days and was well paid.
Is Fats Waller in any Hall of Fame?

Yes, Fats Waller was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970 and the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1989. He also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

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If something's wrong in a profile, Daniel will find it. With 7 years of research experience, he's developed an almost unreasonable eye for inaccurate career timelines, misattributed credits, and dates that don't quite add up. He doesn't publish anything he can't verify. The profiles on Famousy are as accurate as they are largely because of work you'll never see his name on.

Published on October 3, 2026

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