[Jazz & Song] Waller, Thomas "Fats." (1904-1943)
Signed Photograph
Vintage doubleweight sepia photograph of a standing Waller, smiling broadly with a cigarette in hand, boldly signed and inscribed in fountain pen “To Clarinda / With Best Wishes / 'Fats' Waller.’” In fine condition. Signed in white ink l.l. by the photographer. 8 x 10 inches.Born "Thomas Wright Waller," he was an American jazz pianist, organist, composer and comedic entertainer. A skilled pianist -- widely recognized as a master of stride piano -- Waller was one of the most popular performers of his era, finding critical and commercial success in his homeland and in Europe. Waller was also a prolific songwriter, with many songs he wrote or co-wrote still known to modern audiences, such as "Honeysuckle Rose", "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Squeeze Me". Fellow pianist and composer Oscar Levant dubbed Waller "the black Horowitz." (10860)
Signed Photograph Jazz