Nasia Thomas is an actress, singer, and dancer, known for "The Last Five Years" (2021), "4400" (2021) and "Clayton Howe's Entertainmentx" (2018). Starting December 5, 2022, she played the role Anna of Cleves in the Broadway production of "SIX: The Musical". her other Broadway credits include "Caroline, or Change", "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations", and "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical".
On February 26, 2018, as part of the "Broadway at The Pierre" cabaret series in association with Broadway Sings for Pride, a concert was held at Two E Bar/Lounge — the sophisticated saloon located inside the New York City luxury hotel, The Pierre. The concert featured a performance by Thomas, backed by pianist and musical director Chris Curcio.
Thomas performed the song "Keepin' Out of Mischief Now" during the concert, where Shefik served as Videographer. "Keepin' Out of Mischief Now" is a jazz title, written by Fats Waller (music) and Andy Razaf (lyrics), and released in 1932.
Waller (May 21, 1904 – December 15, 1943) was an American jazz pianist, organist, composer, violinist, singer, and comedic entertainer. His innovations in the Harlem stride style laid much of the basis for modern jazz piano. His best-known compositions, "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Honeysuckle Rose", were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1984 and 1999. Waller copyrighted over 400 songs, many of them co-written with his closest collaborator, Razaf.
Razaf described his partner as "the soul of melody... a man who made the piano sing... both big in body and in mind... known for his generosity... a bubbling bundle of joy".
It is likely that Waller composed many more popular songs than he has been credited with. When in financial difficulties, he had a habit of selling songs to other writers and performers who claimed them as their own.
Waller started playing the piano at the age of six, and became a professional organist at 15. By the age of 18, he was a recording artist. He was a prolific songwriter, and one of the most popular performers of his era, touring internationally and achieving critical and commercial success in the United States and Europe. He died from pneumonia, aged 39.
Credits
- Videographer: Shefik
Last Updated: April 29, 2023
