Fats Waller: This Joint Is Jumping

This short documentary includes some very informative interviews with the son of Fats Waller and others who knew the jazz musician well. Born in New York, he mastered the stride piano style of the 1920s, part of the trio of great New York stride pianists of the decade (Willie the Lion Smith, James P. Johnson, and Waller). Although much of his appeal seems to be due to his playful performance style and persona, he has left jazz a few unforgettable standards. "Jitterbug Waltz" is a personal favorite. 

Haitian Blues

Check out Fats Waller's recording of "Haitian Blues," a song first recorded by Clarence Johnson and Creole singer Lizzie Miles. While there is nothing really distinctly 'Haitian' about this blues, Lizzie Miles had ancestors from Saint Domingue/Haiti. It's more interesting as another example of Harlem's multicultural musical environment and the stride style, something Fats Waller perfected like Johnson.