THE GENIUS of jazz legend Fats Waller will be celebrated at Southampton Jazz Club next week.
A special salute will be given by pianist Martin Litton and the New Gateway Jazz Band on Tuesday, May 18.
Fats became famous in the 30s, largely due to his unconventional performances.
His extrovert singing style and larger-than-life persona won him a worldwide following.
Born in New York in 1904, Fats, whose real name was Thomas Waller, began recording in 1922 while he earned his living playing parties.
His big break came in 1934 when he was spotted playing at a party by a record executive, who signed him immediately.
Since relaunching in 2000, the Hampshire-based New Gateway Jazz Band have quickly become one of the south's most popular jazz outfits, regularly playing at festivals, concerts and jazz halls.
Their first two CDs, Dixieland Jubilee and Rhythm Is Our Business, both contain Fats Waller compositions.
For more information about Southampton Jazz Club, which meets in the John Arlott Room at Southampton University, call 01489 786527.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article