French radio which keeps the important news in proper perpsective just mentioned that Thomas 'Fats'
Waller was born on May 21, 1904.
So happy birthday, Fats Waller. 100-year young and still bringing joy to fans all over the world.
Glad to enjoy your music so long after you moved out from our scene!

Thanks for the reminder, brownie!

Fats is one of those musicians I turn to, when "life gets in the way" and I need to give a hint of a smile. Incredible pianist, joyful singer and great entertainer.

Now playing Honeysuckle Rose by Ianci Körössy

100 years huh? We need to do something!
... oh wait...

Will spin some Waller later, now it's Bud Powell tickling the ivories in my player.

Shit! There´s already a very good on-line discography/sessionography/compositions-list for Fats....

WAIT A MINUTE, my link to that one is not working now.....

WE MUST DO SOMETHING!!! Someone should PM Volkher...

WKCR is devoting it's Jazz programming to Fats today. The programs remaining will be from noon to 3:00 pm and from 6:00 to 9:00 pm New York time.

A birthday worth celebrating HARD! Fats lives.

Thank you FATS for all the joy you bring to my life!

What would be a good way to start with getting to know Waller's music? The 2CD set on Bluebird that came out for the centennial?

I know that some day I got to get the complete run of his Bluebird stuff (don't ask HOW I come to know that, some inner voice tells me... )

ubu

NPR had stuf on the centenial all last week, but I managed to miss most of it. However there will probably be something up on their website for awhile...

my favorite piano accompanist.

Oh, the music he would have created if he hadn't died over 60 years ago...
Happy Birthday Fats! I smile creator indeed!

"One never knows, do one?"

Article by Gary Giddins on Waller (as well as Glenn Miller) here.

Let's see: Fats Waller, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Coleman Hawkins...

Were the jazz planets lined up in 1904, or what?