In 1926, beloved jazz pianist Fats Waller had just wrapped up a performance in Chicago when he was ambushed at gunpoint by a group of gangsters. Instead of harming him, they blindfolded him and took him to a secret location, which turned out to be mob boss Al Capone’s private birthday party. Capone, a huge fan of Waller’s music, had arranged the “invitation” — in true gangster fashion. Waller was treated more like a guest than a captive, provided food, drinks, and even paid generously — $100 per

One of the most popular and influential performers of his era and a master of stride piano playing, #FatsWaller was born in Harlem on May 21, 1904. Waller was also a prolific songwriter, with many of his compositions becoming huge commercial successes. His innovations in the Harlem stride style with attention to decorative detail, laid much of the basis for modern jazz piano and influenced countless jazz pianists including Art Tatum, Count Basie, and Thelonious Monk. His best-known compositions,

One of the most popular and influential performers of his era and a master of stride piano playing, #FatsWaller was born in Harlem on May 21, 1904. Waller was also a prolific songwriter, with many of his compositions becoming huge commercial successes. His innovations in the Harlem stride style with attention to decorative detail, laid much of the basis for modern jazz piano and influenced countless jazz pianists including Art Tatum, Count Basie, and Thelonious Monk. His best-known compositions,

Pianist and composer Fats Waller, whose signature stride style paved the way for the modern jazz piano, was born on this day—May 21—in 1904. Waller performed at Carnegie Hall three times between 1928 and 1942. Photo courtesy of the #CHRoseArchives | Carnegie Hall

Remembering Thomas Wright "Fats" Waller (May 21, 1904 – December 15, 1943). He was an American jazz pianist, organist, composer, violinist, singer, and comedic entertainer. His innovations in the Harlem stride style laid the groundwork for modern jazz piano. His best-known compositions, "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Honeysuckle Rose", were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1984 and 1999. Waller copyrighted over 400 songs, ma ny of them co-written with his closest collaborator, Andy Razaf. Raza