Calloway, Cab

Calloway, Cab (Cabell Calloway) (kăl'uwā") [key], 1907–94, jazz singer and band leader, b. Rochester, N.Y. Known for his inventive creativity, he hired some of the top musicians of his day for his jazz orchestra, including Dizzy Gillespie and Milt Hinton; he also promoted singers Pearl Bailey and Lena Horne. Cab Calloway and his band became famous as a result of radio broadcasts (1931–32) from New York City's Cotton Club and was one of the highest earning bands of the 1930s and 40s. His hits included “Minnie the Moocher” (1931) and “Blues in the Night” (1942). He also appeared in several films.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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