This informal narrative of Waller's life and music was written by his personal manager. Kirkeby devotes the first 13 chapters to Fats' life and works: the collaboration, successful both artistically and financially, with lyricist Andy Razaf; the friendships with fellow performers James P. Johnson, Willie the Lion Smith, Duke Ellington and other memorable figures in the history of jazz and ragtime; and the successful forays into films and musicals...