Cab Calloway

USA, 1928–1994

American bandleader and singer (1907-1994), resident at the Cotton Club. 'Minnie the Moocher' and his call-and-response scat singing were central to his stage act.

MusicRoots documents 1 artist who influenced Cab Calloway and 2 artists Cab Calloway influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Cab Calloway?

• Louis Armstrong — Calloway's scat descends from Armstrong's — he took over from Armstrong at Harlem's Cotton Club circuit and acknowledged the lineage.

Which artists did Cab Calloway influence?

• George Harrison — Cab Calloway was cited by Harrison as an early influence alongside Django Reinhardt and Hoagy Carmichael.
• Louis Jordan — Calloway's showman-bandleader model — comedy, style and swing in one act — was the documented template for Jordan's Tympany Five.