Waller, Thomas "Fats." (1904-1943)
Signed Receipt and Colorful Poster
5.25 x 3.25 in. receipt, signed in full and dated May 31, 1936 by the great Fats, who acknowledges a debt of $100.00, "an advance to be deducted from my first salary." Sold together with a graphically attractive 1938 broadside advertising a show with Fats performing. 10 x 30 in.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." (2116)
Autograph Document Jazz