In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Fats Waller

Born: 1904. Died: 1943. Lived in: United States
Thomas Wright "Fats" Waller was an American jazz pianist, organist, composer, violinist, singer, and comedic entertainer. His innovations in the Harlem stride style laid the groundwork for modern jazz piano. His best-known compositions, "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Honeysuckle Rose", were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1984 and 1999. Waller copyrighted over 400 songs, many of them co-written with his closest collaborator, Andy Razaf. Razaf described his partner as "the soul of melody... a man who made the piano sing... both big in body and in mind... known for his generosity... a bubbling bundle of joy". It's possible he composed many more popular songs and sold them to other performers when times were tough.

Waller started playing the piano at the age of six, and became a professional organist aged 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. That year, he also made his first player piano roll, "Got to Cool My Doggies Now". Waller's first published composition, "Squeeze Me", was published in 1924. He became one of the most popular performers of his era, touring internationally and achieving critical and commercial success in the United States and Europe. He died from pneumonia, aged 39.

Arrangements | Trax CDs

Fats Waller : Ain't Misbehavin'

24 vocal selections, including: Ain't Misbehavin' - Cash for Your Trash - Honeysuckle Rose - I Can't Give You Anything but Love - I'm Gonna Sit Right down and Write Myself a Letter - I've Got a Feeling I'm Falling - Jitterbug Waltz - The Joint Is Jumpin' - Ladies Who Sing with the Band - Tain't Nobody's Biz-ness If I Do - That Ain't Right - and more.

Songlist: Ain't Misbehavin', (What Did I Do To Be So) Black And Blue, Honeysuckle Rose, Cash For Your Trash, Find Out What They Like And How They Like It, Mean To Me, Handful Of Keys, How Ya Baby, I Can't Give You Anything But Love, I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter, I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling, It's A Sin To Tell A Lie, Jitterbug Waltz, The Joint Is Jumpin', Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now, Ladies Who Sing With The Band, Lookin' Good But Feelin' Bad, Lounging At The Waldorf, Off-Time, Squeeze Me, Tain't Nobody's Biz-ness If I Do, That Ain't Right, When The Nylons Bloom Again, Yacht Club Swing

Individual Folios

Displaying 1-8 of 8 items.

Kirby Shaw : Ain't Misbehavin'

An inspired a cappella treatment of the "Fats" Waller classic! Many fun options in the center section - "Rudy Vallee" solo, tap solo, etc. Totally unique!

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Musical: Ain't Misbehavin'

Larry Shackley : Ain't Misbehavin'

Here's a jammin' and jivin', red hot, razzmatazz setting of the title song from the musical Ain't Misbehavin', just perfect for show, jazz, or concert choirs.

Arranger: Larry Shackley | Musical: Ain't Misbehavin'

Mark Hayes : Ain't Misbehavin'

In 1929, Fats Waller made this a standard and, in 1984, it won the Grammy Hall of Fame Award. Today, this new and lively arrangement has an upbeat piano accompaniment along with superb optional instrumental parts that add to the swingin' vocals. Arranged for mixed as well as women's voices, this is sure to be a hit!

Arranger: Mark Hayes Performed By: Fats Waller | Musical: Ain't Misbehavin'

John Leavitt : Handful of Keys

From the Broadway revue Ain't Misbehavin', this John Leavitt arrangement of a classic Fats Waller tune is a colorful feature number for both show and concert groups. The energetic piano accompaniment lets you show off your own prize piano-pounder! Available: SATB, 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 3:15.

Arranger: John Leavitt | Lyricist: Various Artists | Musical: Ain't Misbehavin'

Larry Shackley : Handful of Keys

A terrific four-hand piano version of this showstopper from the musical Ain't Misbehavin'. The lyrics alone are spectacular. And with the great choral writing and piano accompaniment, well, it's a knockout! Showcase your accompanists on this one, or use the SoundTrax CD. Bring the spirit of the legendary Fats Waller to your next concert with this outstanding choral arrangement.

Arranger: Larry Shackley | Lyricist: Various Artists | Musical: Ain't Misbehavin'

Darmon Meader : Honeysuckle Rose

This Grammy Hall of Fame song by Fats Waller is a standard in both the American popular song and jazz idiom. New York Voices mastermind Darmon Meader has created an arrangement that covers both of these areas with a new version for women.

Arranger: Darmon Meader

Mark Brymer : The Joint Is Jumpin'

A sizzling arrangement of the classic from Ain't Misbehavin'. Available: SATB, 2-Part, ShowTrax Cassette. Performance Time: Approx. 2:05.

Arranger: Mark Brymer | Lyricist: Various Artists | Musical: Ain't Misbehavin'

Alan Billingsley : The Joint Is Jumpin'

"Come in cats, and check your hats!" You won't want to miss this fantastic swingin' and sizzlin' arrangement of the favorite tune from the musical Ain't Misbehavin'. Nonstop, jazzy singin' and dancin' fun! Featured on the Danza! Movement DVD (00-31225).

Arranger: Alan Billingsley | Lyricist: Various Artists | Musical: Ain't Misbehavin'