He played stride piano and pipe organ, beginning his career making player piano rolls in the 1920s. He accompanied singers on the vaudeville stage (including Bessie Smith) and wrote hit songs such as "Honeysuckle Rose” and "Ain't Misbehavin.” He died from pneumonia at the age of 39. Remarkable and musically historical lot of two items includes: his signature and inscription on a white, 5 x 3 page which reads, “To Arthur Howard, Best Wishes, Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller, Salk Lake, June 25, 1940” and, on a separate, 5 x 3 white page is Waller’s musical quotation, which includes the first few notes and the title for one of his most famous works, Honeysuckle Rose, and the words “Every honey Bee.” In fine condition, with punch holes and a small areas of adhesive to the edges of each, collector’s typewritten notations. R&R COA.
