Cab Calloway was born on December 5, 1907, in Rochester, New York, although he spent most of his childhood in Baltimore. His parents recognized his musical talents early on, and Cab studied music formally throughout his early life. Although his parents disapproved of jazz, Calloway fell in love with the energetic and soulful genre. Early in his career, he performed in many of Baltimore’s jazz clubs, and was befriended by drummer Chick Webb.

Even though he attended college in Chicago, Cab’s first love was music, and he spent many nights in the clubs rather than hitting the books. At the famous Sunset Café, he met Louis Armstrong and also performed with the famous singer.

When Cab and his orchestra, which included musicians Dizzy Gillespie, Ben Webster, Danny Barker, and Milt Hinton were hired by the Cotton Club, it signified Cab’s rise to stardom. They began touring the nation with their signature sound, appearing on the popular radio program hosted by Walter Winchell, and also performing with Bing Crosby.

During the 1930s, many of Cab’s songs, such as "Minnie the Moocher" and "The Old Man of the Mountain," as well as his dance steps, appeared in the cartoon productions of Betty Boop, Snow White, and The Old Man of the Mountain.

During the later part of his career, Cab worked on a number of films and stage productions in which he sang and acted. His notable appearances include those in Stormy Weather, one of the first musical films to feature mainly black performers. The film’s other cast members included Lena Horne, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and Katherine Dunham. He also appeared in Porgy and Bess with William Warfield and Leontyne Price, and in The Cincinnati Kid, with Steve McQueen, Ann Margret, and Edward G Robinson.

During the 80s and early 90s, Cab continued to work and perform. He had a supporting role in The Blues Brothers, with John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, and Carrie Fisher. He performed on the popular television series Sesame Street, and also worked with Bill Cosby to establish a scholarship bearing Cab’s name. He served as a guest judge for a wrestling match between Mr T and Rowdy Roddy Piper, and even appeared in a video for Janet Jackson.

After wowing audiences for decades with his musical and acting talents, Calloway’s long and enduring career finally ended on November 18, 1994. He died six months after suffering from a major stroke. Four years after his death, Cab’s grandson established The Cab Calloway Orchestra to honor and remember the contributions made by Cab Calloway to the world of music.

YUDDY