Fats Waller and the Origins of Louisiana Fairytale
Thomas “Fats” Waller recorded the song “Louisiana Fairytale” for the first time in 1934. Composed by Fred Coots with lyrics by Mitch Parrish and Haven Gillespie, the tune initially reached number 53 on the music charts. Waller, born in New York City during the rise of the Harlem Renaissance, learned piano and organ from his mother before quitting school to play accompaniment for silent movies at the Lincoln Theater.
During the 1920s, Waller developed the “stride” piano style characterized by arpeggios and a rhythmic leaping syncopated style in the left hand, influenced by James P. Johnson, composer of “The Charleston.” Despite helping define early jazz standards and writing classics like “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” Waller frequently sold the rights to his compositions for quick cash. He once sold a bundle of his music rights for $500, earning only pennies in eventual royalties. Waller also recorded pioneering solo pipe organ jazz albums before his death in 1943 at age 39 from pneumonia while traveling from Hollywood to New York.
Television Revivals Drive Modern Recordings
After decades of relative obscurity following its 1934 release, “Louisiana Fairytale” experienced a revival when it was selected as the theme song for the PBS musical variety show Austin City Limits in the late 1970s. Shortly after, the home restoration show This Old House adopted Waller’s 1935 recording as its theme music, introducing the tune to a new generation of television viewers.
These television broadcasts sparked renewed commercial interest, pushing the total number of commercial recordings of the song to almost 100 by 2025. While Waller’s 1929 hit “Ain’t Misbehavin’” reached the top 10 with versions by Louis Armstrong and Waller himself, “Louisiana Fairytale” evolved from a modest chart performer into a recognizable television standard.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fats Waller and Louisiana Fairytale
Who wrote Louisiana Fairytale?
Fred Coots composed the music, while Mitch Parrish and Haven Gillespie wrote the lyrics.
How did Louisiana Fairytale become famous decades after its release?
The song gained renewed popularity in the late 1970s when it was chosen as the theme music for PBS’s Austin City Limits and subsequently for the home restoration show This Old House.
What financial challenges did Fats Waller face during his career?
Waller regularly sold the rights to his compositions for small lump sums—such as $500 for a large batch of songs—leaving him with minimal royalties from some of the most-recorded tracks in American history.
When did Fats Waller pass away?
Waller died in 1943 at the age of 39 from pneumonia while traveling to New York from California after his success in Hollywood.
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