Fats Waller was a highly skilled jazz pianist, composer and comedic entertainer. One of the most popular performers of his era, in broadway shows, movies and radio, Waller was also a popular and prolific composer. Many of the hundreds of songs he wrote or co-wrote are still known to modern audiences. For instance: "Squeeze Me", "Keepin' Out of Mischief Now", "Ain't Misbehavin'", "Blue Turning Grey Over You", "I've Got a Feeling I'm Falling", and "Honeysuckle Rose". He also composed complex piano pieces such as "effervescent", "Handful of Keys", "Valentine Stomp" "Jitterbug Waltz", and "Viper's Drag." Nobody seems to know exactly how many others were written. There were 150 songs published in his lifetime, with at least that many more unpublished. His contribution to American music is an enduring legacy. Today in 1904, Thomas Fats Waller was born. Happy birthday Fats, and thanks.

Yes, I refuse to use Kleenex until THIS stops.