Stride, the music of Fats Waller

Covers Waller's formative experience as a church and theater organist, and as a stride pianist. Detailed analysis of Waller's recordings up to 1934, with emphasis on pipe-organ music, to determine the influence of Waller's early experience on his playing. Selective analysis of recordings between 1934 and 1940 to determine how Waller's exclusive contract with Victor and its emphasis on popular music influenced Waller's abilities as an innovative and skilled jazz musician.