Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller was born in New York City on May 21, 1904. He was a famous African-American pianist and composer with an irrepressible personality. Known for penning such classics as “Ain’t Misbehavin'” and “Honeysuckle Rose”, Waller later branched out into radio and film and maintained a heavy touring schedule. He was known for being charismatic and a ladies' man.

He passed away of pneumonia on December 15, 1943 in Kansas City, Missouri at age 39.