Fats Waller

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

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Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/fats-waller

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was Fats Waller born?May 21, 1904
2. Where was Fats Waller born?New York City
3. What is Fats Waller known for?Pioneering Harlem stride piano style, prolific songwriting, and charismatic performances
4. What is the musical roles?Pianist, organist, composer, singer
5. What is the death?December 15, 1943, from pneumonia at age 39
6. Who was Fats Waller?Fats Waller was a famous jazz pianist and songwriter from Harlem, known for his energetic stride piano and lively performances.

Harlem stride: A foundational jazz piano style characterized by a rhythmic, walking bass line in the left hand and syncopated melodies in the right.
Syncopation: A rhythmic technique where accents occur on unexpected beats, creating a 'off-beat' or 'swinging' feel.
Grammy Hall of Fame: A special category of Grammy Awards honoring recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance.