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Sign up for our monthly email alertsFats Waller On The Air
The Radio Broadcasts and Discography
Series: Studies in Jazz #50
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SUBJECTS
Music » Jazz
Religion » Music
Music » Biographies
Music » Reference
AWARD(S)
ARSC Awards for Excellence—
Best Research in Recorded Jazz Music (Certificate of Merit) 2007
REVIEWS
"...a particularly fascinating look at this bygone world..."
— NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
DESCRIPTION
Radio and television broadcasts are an essential component in the career of jazz musician Thomas "Fats" Waller. The medium suited his character well, allowing his friendly, energetic personality to shine through. This book meticulously documents Waller's on-air appearances: from his first known broadcast in 1923 at age 19 to the final airing before his premature death in 1943.
Fats Waller On The Air: The Radio Broadcasts and Discography adds another dimension to the life of this dynamic performer. Author Stephen Taylor combines established material with fresh research, resulting in a wealth of new information. The broadcasts, including tributes to Waller after his death, are covered in detail, featuring dates, times, songs played, and other artists who appeared on the program. Through descriptions from contemporary newspapers and magazines, accounts from individuals who were in attendance, and remarks by radio announcers from original transcripts, the book provides historical perspective and a clear sense of the character and feel of the broadcasts. The book also offers a timechart of early sound recording and radio transcriptions, allowing easy comparison of Waller's presence in the field. Never before published photos and a thorough, accurate discography-including 78 and 45 rpm records, transcriptions, LPs, CDs, and DVDs-make this an important reference tool for fans of Fats Waller, jazz music, stride piano, black social history, and broadcast history.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stephen Taylor is a retired engineer and Fats Waller enthusiast now living in Thailand with his wife and daughter.
