The second part of our series dedicated to the development of piano music and its influence on the stylistic development of popular music finds us covering one of the most seminal figures of jazz.

Fats Waller didn’t invent anything new, and it could be argued that there were a few people who could outplay him (although not many), but the genius of Fats Waller rested in his songwriting prowess, coupled with his ebullient personality. Fats knew how to put a song over, and it was his recordings that helped to make the Harlem variety of jazz music something that all of popular culture could appreciate. Fats was the link that took the jazz stylings of New Orleans and Chicago, and made them instantly palatable to anybody with ears.

Here’s a tracklist of songs featured in today’s program, all featuring Fats Waller;

‘Sippi

Numb Fumblin’

Smashin’ Thirds

How Can You Face Me?

Carolina Shout

I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter

Christopher Columbus

Loungin’ at the Waldorf

The Joint Is Jumpin’

Anita

All That Meat and No Potatoes

Bessie, Bessie, Bessie

The Jitterbug Waltz

Ain’t Misbehavin’