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Cab Calloway - Minnie The Moocher (Arr. Dawson McKinnon)

Cab Calloway was a legendary American jazz singer and bandleader known for his charismatic stage presence and unique scat singing style. Here are some interesting facts about Cab Calloway and his famous song "Minnie the Moocher":

  1. "Minnie the Moocher": This song, released in 1931, is one of Cab Calloway's most iconic and enduring hits. It tells the story of Minnie, a young woman who encounters various challenges and adventures in her life. The song features Calloway's signature scat singing, which he called "Hi De Ho."

  2. Hi De Ho: Cab Calloway's use of "Hi De Ho" in his songs and performances became his trademark. He incorporated this scat phrase into many of his tunes, including "Minnie the Moocher." It became synonymous with his energetic and playful style.

  3. Betty Boop Connection: "Minnie the Moocher" gained further fame through its inclusion in the Betty Boop cartoon series. In the 1932 cartoon titled "Minnie the Moocher," Cab Calloway appears as a character and performs the song. This helped popularize both the song and Calloway's animated persona.

  4. Zoot Suit and Style: Cab Calloway was known for his flamboyant fashion sense, often wearing colorful zoot suits with oversized lapels and wide-brimmed hats. His distinctive style contributed to his image as a larger-than-life showman.

  5. Harlem Renaissance: Cab Calloway was a prominent figure during the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and artistic movement in the 1920s and 1930s that celebrated African American art, music, and literature. He performed at some of the most famous Harlem nightclubs of the era, such as the Cotton Club.

  6. Scat Singing Pioneer: Calloway was a pioneer of scat singing, a vocal improvisation technique where nonsensical syllables and sounds are used instead of lyrics. His unique scat style was influential and inspired many other musicians, including later jazz and swing artists.

  7. Longevity: Cab Calloway's career spanned several decades, from the 1920s to the 1990s. He continued to perform and record music well into his later years, showcasing his enduring appeal and talent.

  8. Distinguished Career: Calloway was not only a singer but also a bandleader. His orchestra, known as the Cab Calloway Orchestra, was one of the leading bands of the Swing Era. They played a significant role in popularizing jazz and swing music.

  9. Acting Career: In addition to his musical talents, Calloway appeared in several films and television shows. One of his notable film roles was in the 1980 musical comedy "The Blues Brothers," where he played the character Curtis.

  10. Legacy: Cab Calloway's contributions to jazz and popular music continue to be celebrated. He left a lasting legacy as a charismatic performer, an innovative scat singer, and a pivotal figure in the history of American music.

Cab Calloway's "Minnie the Moocher" remains a classic song that captures the spirit and energy of the Jazz Age and Swing Era. His unique style and personality left an indelible mark on the world of music and entertainment.

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