# Cab Calloway

> American jazz singer (1907–1994)

**Wikidata**: [Q273079](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q273079)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cab_Calloway)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cab-calloway

## Summary
Cab Calloway was an American jazz singer, bandleader, and entertainer known for his energetic performances and leadership of one of the most popular African American big bands during the swing era. He was a pivotal figure in jazz and swing music, celebrated for his charismatic stage presence and hits like "Minnie the Moocher."

## Biography
- **Born**: December 25, 1907
- **Died**: November 18, 1994
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: Lincoln University (Pennsylvania)
- **Known for**: Jazz singing, bandleading, and popularizing swing music
- **Employer(s)**: Columbia Records, RCA Victor, ABC Records
- **Field(s)**: Music (jazz, swing), entertainment, acting

## Contributions
Cab Calloway led a highly successful big band during the 1930s and 1940s, producing iconic recordings like "Minnie the Moocher," which became one of the first jazz songs to sell over a million copies. He was also a talented songwriter, dancer, and stage actor, contributing to Broadway productions and films. His work with major record labels like Columbia Records and RCA Victor helped shape the sound of the swing era. Additionally, he was recognized with prestigious awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the National Medal of Arts.

## FAQs
**What was Cab Calloway's most famous song?**
Cab Calloway's most famous song is "Minnie the Moocher," a jazz and swing classic that became a massive hit in the 1930s and remains one of his signature tunes.

**Which record labels did Cab Calloway work with?**
Cab Calloway recorded with several major labels, including Columbia Records, RCA Victor, and ABC Records, all of which played a significant role in distributing his music.

**What awards did Cab Calloway receive?**
Cab Calloway was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Medal of Arts, and induction into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame.

**Where did Cab Calloway study?**
Cab Calloway attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, a historically Black university.

**What genres did Cab Calloway perform in?**
Cab Calloway was primarily known for jazz and swing music, but he also contributed to Broadway productions and films as an actor and dancer.

## Why They Matter
Cab Calloway was a defining figure in the swing era, bringing jazz to mainstream audiences with his dynamic performances and innovative music. His leadership of one of the most popular African American big bands broke racial barriers in the entertainment industry. Calloway's influence extended beyond music into film and theater, inspiring future generations of performers. His legacy endures through his recordings, which remain iconic in jazz history, and his impact on American culture.

## Notable For
- Leading one of the most popular African American big bands during the swing era
- Recording the hit song "Minnie the Moocher," which sold over a million copies
- Receiving the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the National Medal of Arts
- Being a multifaceted entertainer—singer, bandleader, songwriter, dancer, and actor
- Collaborating with major record labels like Columbia Records and RCA Victor
- Attending Lincoln University, a historically Black institution
- Influencing the development of jazz and swing music in the 20th century

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Cab Calloway was born on December 25, 1907, in the United States. He attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, a historically Black university, where he likely developed his early interest in music and performance.

### Music Career
Calloway rose to fame as a jazz singer and bandleader during the 1930s and 1940s, a period known as the swing era. His band was one of the most popular African American big bands of the time, and he became renowned for his energetic stage presence. His signature song, "Minnie the Moocher," became a massive hit and one of the first jazz recordings to achieve widespread commercial success.

### Record Labels and Collaborations
Throughout his career, Calloway worked with major record labels, including Columbia Records, RCA Victor, and ABC Records. These collaborations helped distribute his music to a broad audience, solidifying his place in jazz history.

### Awards and Recognition
Calloway's contributions to music were recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the National Medal of Arts. He was also inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, highlighting his impact on both music and film.

### Multifaceted Entertainer
Beyond music, Calloway was a talented dancer, stage actor, and songwriter. He appeared in Broadway productions and films, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer.

### Legacy and Influence
Cab Calloway's influence on jazz and swing music is enduring. His innovative performances and leadership in the swing era helped shape the genre and inspired countless musicians. His work remains celebrated in jazz history, and his recordings continue to be enjoyed by audiences worldwide.

## References

1. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
2. [Source](https://www.delawareonline.com/story/life/2016/03/04/thorogood-marley-delaware-supergroup/81272004/)
3. BnF authorities
4. Integrated Authority File
5. [Ja'Net Dubois' death certificate 'lists Blues Brothers star Cab Calloway as her secret biological father'. MailOnline. 2020](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-8108455/JaNet-Dubois-death-certificate-lists-jazz-icon-Cab-Calloway-secret-biological-father.html)
6. Find a Grave
7. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
8. [Source](https://www.arts.gov/honors/medals/cabell-cab-calloway)
9. African American Leaders of Maryland: A Portrait Gallery
10. BlackPast.org
11. International Standard Name Identifier
12. MusicBrainz
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. CiNii Research
15. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
16. SNAC
17. Internet Broadway Database
18. Proleksis Encyclopedia
19. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
20. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
21. CONOR.SI
22. BBC Things
23. ISWC Network
24. Google Knowledge Graph
25. Quora
26. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
27. The Movie Database