I just finished reading this wonderful book a few hours ago. The book is so well written, so full of honesty and family anecdotes, it make me feel almost as if I were a member of the Waller family. Maurice Waller (Fats' son) has written a classic, seminal book about the greatest pianist/singer/comedian/actor/composer of the twentieth century. I place Fats' untimely death at age 39 in the same category in terms of the tragedy and loss to the world of music, as the tragic death of George Gershwin in his 30's. (Gershwin and Fats were good friends, by the way. It was Gershwin who suggested to Fats that he study counterpoint and harmony with Godowsky). There are so many good things to say about this book that I wouldn't have room to list them all. Maurice Waller, born in 1927, should in my opinion win a Pulitzer prize for this book. I have already begun ordering CD's ...in order to better appreciate this great man's musical output. Fats was taken under J.P. Johnson's wing when Fats was 16 and J.P. Johnson was 26. Fats himself personally taught Count Basie how to play the organ. Fats was a truly wonderful human being. Over 10,000 people came to his funeral in Harlem when died in 1943. Thank you, Maurice Waller, for writing this monumental book about a monumental man.

I love Fats Waller, which is why I wanted to read this biography by his son, Maurice Waller. I had high hopes and expectations, and I was not in the least bit disappointed! This is a great book! The biography is filled with Maurice Waller's fascinating anecdotes, one of the most notable being the one about how Fats was kidnapped by Al Capone's men. I was also intrigued by the ways in which Fats acquired his musical education, and with the accounts of how he composed his music. The authors also bring to life the context in which Fats Waller lived and worked: the rich culture of Harlem, the way in which the jazz greats nurtured each other and promising young musicians such as Fats, how they created their music, and how Fats and the others dealt with racism in the performing world. It also provides a fascinating look at the young recording industry. The book includes several appendices of Fats Waller's recordings and compositions. This book is short, fast-moving and easy to read, and absolutely packed with information. It enhanced my appreciation and understanding of the great Fats Waller and his work. Anyone who loves jazz should read this book!