Cab Calloway, born Cabell Calloway III on December 25, 1907, in Rochester, New York, was a dynamic American jazz singer and bandleader who became a sensational figure in the swing jazz era. His exuberant performances, skilled improvisation, and charismatic stage presence made him a leading entertainer of the 1930s and 1940s. Calloway was renowned for his energetic conducting style, scat singing, and show-stopping vocal numbers.

Perhaps best known for his iconic song "Minnie the Moocher," with its famous call-and-response chorus, Calloway's music often featured playful and humorous lyrics. He led one of the most popular African American big bands of the swing era, performing at the famous Cotton Club in Harlem and touring extensively. His work on stage and screen further established his legacy, including appearances in films like "The Blues Brothers," where he introduced his music to a new generation. Cab Calloway, with his zoot suits and enthusiastic "Hi-De-Ho" mantra, was a true pioneer in the jazz world, blending flamboyant entertainment with musical sophistication. Until his passing in 1994, at the age of 86, he remained an influential figure, immortalized by his recordings, performances, and unbridled joy in the rhythm of jazz.

Genres

Big Band

Harlem Renaissance

Jazz Blues

Swing

Related Artists

Louis Armstrong

Ella Fitzgerald

Count Basie

Duke Ellington

Fats Waller

Nat King Cole

Lionel Hampton

Billie Holiday

James Brown

Benny Goodman

Chick Webb

Aretha Franklin

Latest Release

Chronological Calloway, Vol 1 (1932-33)

Cab Calloway

Album - 41 Tracks - Released February 2, 2024