Fats Waller was an American jazz pianist, composer, organist and singer-songwriter who is best remembered for his stride piano compositions and hilarious antics on stage. Brought up in Harlem by his clergyman father and musician mother, he was exposed to both church and modern music early in his life. He learned to play the piano at the age of six and decided to become a professional jazz musician soon after. He left school at the age of 15 to join Harlem’s Lincoln Theatre as an organist. Within a year, he also left home and started learning music from different teachers while earning his living by doing several odd jobs. He recorded his first song at the age of 18; and by 22, he had found some recognition. However, it took him several more years to attain stardom and financial security. He died of pneumonia at the age of 39 while returning home from the West Coast.