Personnel includes: Fats Waller (vocals, piano, pipe organ); Rudy Powell (alto saxophone, clarinet, reeds); Gene Sedric (tenor saxophone, clarinet, reeds); Herman Autrey, Charlie Gaines, Bunny Berigan (trumpet); Thomas Morris (cornet); Tommy Dorsey, Charlie Irvis, Floyd O'Brien (trombone); Mezz Mezzrow, Ben Whittet (clarinet); Al Casey, James Smith, Dick McDonough (guitar); Eddie Condon (banjo); Billy Taylor, Charles Turner, Cedric Wallace (bass); George Wettling, Eddie King, Harry Dial, Arnold Boling, Yank Porter, Slick Jones (drums).

Compilation producers: Gordon Anderson, Scott Yanow.

Recorded between 1927 and 1942. Includes liner notes by Scott Yanow.

The most renowned performer working in the "Harlem stride" piano style of the 1920s and '30s, Fats Waller became more famous than contemporaries James P. Johnson and Willie "The Lion" Smith, thanks, in large part, to both his lively, almost cartoon-like persona and his knack for writing timeless tunes. Evidence of both qualities can readily be found on this excellent 24-track collection, which spans Waller's entire recording career, and includes the self-penned classics "Ain't Misbehavin'," "Honeysuckle Rose," and "The Jitterbug Waltz," along with many other songs that showcase his exuberant vocals and energetic piano playing. As an introduction to the beloved showman, THE VERY BEST OF FATS WALLER is difficult to top.