Thomas Wright "Fats" Waller 1904-43. The African American composer, pianist, organist, singer, and bandleader known for his humorous performance style lived here between 1943 and 1943. A protégé of James P Johnson (founder of the 'stride' school of jazz piano), and mentor to Count Basie. Waller's rhythmically contagious songs include: Ain't Misbehavin' (1929), Honeysuckle Rose (1929), and Jitterbug Waltz (1942)