Cab Calloway (1907-1994) was a jazz bandleader and singer. He was best known for the song "Minnie the Moocher," with its distinctive "hi-de-hi-de-hi" scat chorus. His exuberant strutting and scatting was utilized in three of Max Fleischer's Betty Boop cartoons, often titled for Calloway's songs, such as "The Old Man of the Mountain."
He enjoyed a career resurgence in 1980, thanks to a key supporting role as janitor Curtis in The Blues Brothers, where he reprised "Minnie the Moocher." Other acting credits include playing Horace Vandergelder opposite Pearl Bailey in Hello, Dolly! on Broadway and a poker player in The Cincinnati Kid.
Appearances[]
In 1981, Calloway appeared in several Sesame Street inserts that debuted in Season 12:
- "Hi-De-Ho Man" with the Two-Headed Monster (First: Episode 1540)
- "I Want to Count" with The Count (First: Episode 1545)
- "Jumpin' Jive" with the Two Headed Monster (First: Episode 1575)
References[]
- Calloway's 1954 recording of "Such a Night" (backed by Sy Oliver and his orchestra) was transcribed on August 4, 1955 for use on Sam and Friends.[1]
- Several animated segments on Sesame Street feature a bandleader called Cab Callowmouse.