Tribute to Fats Waller - Buddy Rich, Willie the Lion Smith, Hank Duncan and Sidney Bechet 1949

This was a live televised performance from the Eddie Condon Floor Show on the 21st of May 1949 which would have been Fats 45th birthday. Fats died from a heart attack in Kansas City on 15 December 1943. The entire show was dedicated to Fats and this segment is a medley of several tunes composed or closely associated with Fats. The featured artists are drummer and vocalist Buddy Rich, pianists Hank Duncan in duet with Willie “The Lion” Smith and finally Sidney Bechet on soprano saxophone. This year marks the 115th anniversary of Fats birthday. Enjoy!