Calloway, Cab (Cabell Calloway) kăl´əwā˝ [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 Citys Cotton Club, and were 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.

See his Of Minnie the Moocher and Me (1976, with B. Rollins) biography by A. Shipton (2010).