Aint Misbehavin'

by Ed Kirkeby

Profiles the great jazz pianist and composer, providing a discography and describing Waller's role in introducing the world to the musical culture of Harlem

Genres: Biography

248 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 1975

About the author

Wallace Theodore "Ed" Kirkeby was an American bandleader, vocalist, manager, and salesman, best remembered as the manager of Fats Waller. He was one of the first recording managers at Columbia Records to record jazz and organized the California Ramblers to record it.

Reviews

[Jazzy Lemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

250pp
1966.

Great story of Thomas 'Fats' Waller.
I finished it on the bus and gave it to the bus driver who had never heard of him.

He's in for a treat.

[Ceejay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellant biography of legendary jazz pianist Fats Waller. Fats Waller, while composing 100's of popular tunes, ate too much, and drank too much. He was, according to this book, truly loved by all who met him.It would help to know some of the jazz greats of the 1930's and 40's because at times their names are mentioned with little or no explanation. Fats Waller was a huge influence on the piano players of his era. He was so great, that his name and style are still remembered by more modern players. This book really does a great job in recounting Waller's life. Fats died at age 39, and I couldn't help but wonder how much great music we lost because alcoholism took away another exceptional musician.