Walter "Fats" Pichon

Pianist and singer, versatile musician and arranger, born April 3, 1906 in New Orleans, La., died of heart disease February 26, 1967 in Chicago, Ill. Pichon moved to New York c. 1922, but returned to New Orleans c. 1926. Returning to New York late in 1928, he recorded under his own name and with King Oliver, Luis Russell, Fess Williams, and Fats Waller (1929-1930). He worked as an arranger for Chick Webb in the early 1930s, led a band touring with Mamie Smith 1932-1934 and playing on riverboats. Later cocktail pianist in New Orleans. He moved to Chicago in c. 1962.