Waller, Fats, 1904–43, American jazz musician, singer, and composer, whose original name was Thomas Wright Waller, b. New York City. Waller began playing the piano as a child, and later studied with Carl Bohm and Leopold Godowsky. He became a protégé of James P. Johnson, who gave him piano lessons and furthered his career. From about 1920, Waller appeared in night-clubs and theaters, and in the 1930s he began recording. Wallers style influenced many jazz pianists. His compositions include Aint Misbehavin, Black and Blue, Honeysuckle Rose, and London Suite.

See biography by E. Kirkeby (1975) study by P. S. Machlin (1985).