Of Minnie the Moocher & Me

Written by

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

Rollins, Bryant

Published by

Thomas Y. Crowell Company, American, 1876 - 1978

Date

1976

Medium

cardboard , paper (fiber product) and ink

Dimensions

9 1/4 x 6 1/4 x 1 1/8 in. (23.5 x 15.9 x 2.9 cm)

Description

A hard cover adhesive bound 282 page book (a) written by Cab Calloway and Bryant Rollins about the life and times of Cab Calloway. The paper wrap around jacket (b) is printed with a silver background with a red and white art deco outline frame. At the center is a black and white photograph of Cab Calloway wearing a white tuxedo holding a conductor’s wand and singing. Above the photograph, at the top of the cover is [OF MINNIE / THE / MOOCHER / & ME] and below the photograph [CAB / CALLOWAY] in large bold black letters and [and Bryant Rollins] in small black letters. The verso features a black and white photograph of the two authors working.

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Type

books

Topic

Caricature and cartoons

Conductors (Musicians)

Jazz (Music)

Literature

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2011.158.2ab

Restrictions & Rights

© Cab Calloway 1976. Permission required for use.

Usage

Usage conditions apply

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5824ab85a-b46b-4450-9d9e-b2ba3ac4dce3

Print of Cab Calloway dancing at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

David "Panama" Francis, American, 1918 - 2001

Date

1950s

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 4 3/8 × 6 1/2 in. (11.1 × 16.5 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 5 1/16 × 7 1/8 in. (12.9 × 18.1 cm)

Description

A black and white photograph of Cab Calloway performing with his band at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba. Calloway is pictured just left of center, in profile turned towards his proper right, his right hand raised and blurred as if in motion. His left hand holds a microphone stand, tilted so the microphone is near his turned face. He wears a plaid tuxedo jacket with white shirt, dark pants and bow tie, and white pocket square. Directly behind Calloway is an upright bass, the face of the player only partially visible behind Calloway's shoulder. Another man stands behind the bass. To the right of him is a drummer, Panama Francis, seated at a white drumkit with "CC" on the large bass drum at the front. The two visible musicians both wear dark colored suit jackets, patterned neck ties, and white pocket squares. To the left is a grand piano, the bench and player out of frame. Behind Calloway's band is an orchestra seated at paneled stands with a logo marking resembling "JM" or "NM." In the background is a striped curtain. There are no inscriptions or markings, front or back.

Place captured

Havana, Cuba, Caribbean, Latin America, North and Central America

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Type

gelatin silver prints

Topic

Conductors (Musicians)

Dance

Jazz (Music)

Musicians

Nightlife

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Cabella Calloway Langsam

Object number

2013.237.7

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

Usage

CC0

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd57ad1019a-a439-4d06-8b59-abaa674ca2fe

Poster for Ebony Parade

Distributed by

Astor Pictures, American, 1930 - 1963

Subject of

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

Dandridge, Dorothy, American, 1922 - 1965

Basie, Count, American, 1904 - 1984

The Mills Brothers, American, 1928 - 1982

Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973

Everett, Francine, American, 1915 - 1999

Smythe, Vanita, American, 1925 - 1994

Hill, Ruby, American, born 1922

Flowers, Pat, American, 1917 - 2000

Day, Dawn, and Dusk, American, 1940 - 1960

The Jubalaires, American, c. 1940-1950

Lee, Mable, American, 1921 - 2019

Date

1947

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 36 5/8 × 20 7/8 in. (93 × 53 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 41 1/4 × 26 15/16 in. (104.7 × 68.5 cm)

Caption

Released in 1947, Ebony Parade was a series of short sketches and numbers originally distributed as musical shorts by the Soundies Distributing Corporation of America.

Description

A large poster for the film Ebony Parade with a blue background and an off-white border. Across the blue background are red musical notes and stars outlined in white. At the top center in red lettering is [20 Great Stars]. Printed in the center in small black type is [Astor Pictures presents] followed by [EBONY PARADE] in large yellow letters over a red background. Surrounding the title are color photographic portraits of the stars of the film. At the top left are the faces of Mantan Moreland, Dorothy Dandridge and Ruby Hill, followed by a full portrait of a seated Mabel Lee and in the bottom left corner is an image of the Mills Brothers gathered around two microphones. On the right side are the faces of Cab Calloway, Vanita Smythe, Francine Everett, and Count Basie. At the bottom right is a yellow box bordered in black with red text that reads [featuring / Cab Calloway * Count Basie / His Band His Band / Mills. Bros. * Vanita Smythe / Mantan Moreland * Mable Lee/ Ruby Hill * Francine Everett / Dorothy Dandridge * Pat Flowers / and / Day, Dawn, and Dusk * Jubilaries]. At the bottom left, in small white text on a red background is [RELEASED THRU ASTOR PICTURES CORP.]. On the back of the poster are two stamps in purple that say [Screen Classics, Inc. / 1632 Central Parkway, Cincinnati 10, Ohio].

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Place used

United States, North and Central America

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Type

posters

Topic

Actors

Comedy

Conductors (Musicians)

Dance

Entertainers

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Jazz (Music)

Musical films

Musicians

Race films

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.118.31

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

Usage

CC0

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd57b15d522-36ed-464f-9f9b-82dd6b9bcc91

Photographic print of Cab Calloway

Photograph by

Charles "Teenie" Harris, American, 1908 - 1998

Subject of

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

Milt Hinton, American, 1910 - 2000

Berry, Leon, American, 1908 - 1941

Date

July 1941

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W: 8 × 10 in. (20.3 × 25.4 cm)

Description

A black and white photograph of Cab Calloway conducting a band including Milton Hinton and Leon "Chu" Berry, at the Hill City Auditorium in the Savoy Ballroom in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Calloway stands to the right of the photograph in front of the band and a music stand. He faces the band, who are in the left of the photograph. Most of the band members are seated, but Berry stands with his mouth to his saxophone, facing Calloway. An unidentified man is partially visible in the left foreground of the photograph. In the right background, behind Calloway, people are seated. The back of the photograph has six stickers with barcode, numbers, reproduction information, caption information and a handwritten inscription of numbers.

Place depicted

Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Type

gelatin silver prints

Topic

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Jazz (Music)

Photography

Singers (Musicians)

U.S. History, 1933-1945

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Charles A. Harris and Beatrice Harris in memory of Charles "Teenie" Harris

Object number

2014.302.50

Restrictions & Rights

© Carnegie Museum of Art, Charles "Teenie" Harris Archive

Usage

Usage conditions apply

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd58e0dc334-d3f2-4473-82ea-d38a4fa27f24

Print of Cab Calloway and dancers performing

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

Date

1930s

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 7/16 × 7 7/16 in. (24 × 18.9 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 10 1/8 × 8 in. (25.7 × 20.3 cm)

Description

A black and white photograph of Cab Calloway performing with dancers around him. Calloway is pictured in the center of the image, pictured from the waist up at an angle from the bottom left corner. He wears a checked tuxedo with tail coat and white bowtie. His mouth is open as if singing and he is glancing down past his proper right shoulder. In the foreground, the hands, neck, chin, and torso of a dancer in a partial backbend is visible. Behind her, in the background, another dancer is visible, but out of focus. She wears a striped costume with white bodice and stands with one arm raised above her head, bending back slightly from the waist. Behind Calloway, only the legs of another dancer are visible. She is atop an elevated platform, behind and facing away from Calloway, standing upon her proper left foot with her proper right bent at the knee and her dark colored high heeled shoe visible in the center of the image. There are no marks or inscriptions, front or back.

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Topic

Conductors (Musicians)

Dance

Jazz (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Cabella Calloway Langsam

Object number

2013.237.16

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

Usage

CC0

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ec70d6e7-16de-4690-8e96-1af680343592

Minnie the Moocher

Produced by

Fleischer Studios, Inc., American

Subject of

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

Owned by

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

Date

ca. 1932

Medium

16mm Film (a): acetate film;

Reel (b): metal;

Cardboard Box (c): cardboard.

Dimensions

Duration: 12 Minutes

Length (Film): 380 Feet

Title

16mm motion picture film of Minnie the Moocher

Caption

“Minnie the Moocher” is a 1932 cartoon starring two of Fleischer Studios’ most famous characters, Betty Boop and Bimbo. It heavily features the music of Cab Calloway, including the eponymous song, as well as a short live-action sequence of Calloway and his orchestra performing “St. James Infirmary.”

Description

Consists of: 16mm Film (a), Original 400 foot Film Reel, and Original Cardboard Box (c).

2015.273.2.9.1a: 16mm film. The film begins with a wide shot of Cab Calloway and his orchestra performing an instrumental version of “St. James Infirmary” as the opening credits appear. Calloway performs an elaborate dance as he conducts the orchestra. In the cartoon’s first scene, Betty Boop is castigated by her parents for refusing to eat. Betty’s father’s head turns into a cylinder phonograph and her mother changes the cylinder from his voice to one that plays music when Betty leaves the table in tears. In the next scene, Betty sings “They Always Pick on Me” as she decides to run away and makes preparations to do so. She calls her friend Bimbo to inform him of her departure and he agrees to accompany her. As they make way, Cab Calloway’s “Minnie the Moocher” begins to play. They enter a dark cave and encounter a walrus who sings (With Calloway’s voice) the lyrics to the song. While the song plays, Betty and Bimbo see many fantastical and terrifying images, such as skeletons, ghosts, and ghouls. When the song ends, all of the creatures inside chase Betty and Bimbo out of the cave and all the way home, as “Vine St. Blues” plays in the background. The Film concludes with Betty’s note to her parents tearing up to reveal the phrase “Home sweet home.”

2015.273.2.9.1b: Original 400 foot film reel.

2015.273.2.9.1c: Original cardboard box.

Place made

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Collection title

The Cabell “Cab” Calloway III Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Film and Video

Archival Collections

Type

motion pictures (information artifacts)

16mm (photographic film size)

Topic

Composers (Musicians)

Conductors (Musicians)

Entertainers

Film

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Jazz (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Cabella Calloway Langsam

Object number

2015.273.2.9.1abc

Restrictions & Rights

© Fleischer Studios. Permission required for use.

Usage

Usage conditions apply

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd520a7e288-fe1d-4619-bc4d-c2cd00eb7c91

Rhythm and Blues Revue

Created by

Studio Films, Inc., American, 1951 - 1956

Produced by

Frye, Ben, American

Subject of

Lionel Hampton, American, 1908 - 2002

Adams, Faye, American, born 1923

Bailey, Bill, American, 1912 - 1978

Jeffries, Herb, American, 1913 - 2014

Milburn, Amos, American, 1927 - 1980

Vaughan, Sarah, American, 1924 - 1990

Basie, Count, American, 1904 - 1984

Big Turner, Joe, American, 1911 - 1985

The Delta Rhythm Boys, American, 1934 - 1987

Davis, Martha, American, 1917 - 1960

Little Buck, American

Cole, Nat King, American, 1919 - 1965

Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973

Russell, Nipsey, American, 1918 - 2005

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

Brown, Ruth, American, 1928 - 2006

Owned by

Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931

Date

1955

Medium

acetate film

Dimensions

Duration: 72 Minutes

Length (Film): 1850 Feet

Length (Film): 1560 Feet

Length (Film): 1650 Feet

Length (Film): 1450 Feet

Title

35mm motion picture film of Rhythm and Blues Revue

Caption

"Rhythm and Blues Revue", is a 1955 feature film compiled by Studio Films, Inc. from previously recorded Snader Telescriptions featuring renowned African American jazz singers and musicians from the 1950s. Performers include Faye Adams, Bill Bailey, Ruth Brown, Cab Calloway, Nat King Cole, Count Basie, Martha Davis, The Delta Rhythm Boys, Freddy and Flo, Lionel Hampton, Herb Jefferies, The Larks, Little Buck, Amos Milburn, Mantan Moreland, Nipsey Russell, Big Joe Turner, Sarah Vaughan and Willie Bryant.

Description

35mm black and white compilation film of a variety of short musical 'Soundie' films made for music-film jukeboxes, and television, by the Snader Telescription and Studio companies in the 1950s. It consists of four 35mm prints (a-d).

The film begins with a title sequence that announces each performer as a firework explodes behind their name. A credit roll then displays the below the line contributors. Next, an announcer introduces the emcee, Willie Bryant, during a shot of a theater audience. Bryant emerges from behind a curtain as the audience applauds. Before he can begin speaking, Bryant is interrupted by the comedian Freddie Lucas (Part of the Freddie & Flo comedy duo), who begs to be on the show. Later in the skit, Florence Hill (Flo) appears as a mind reading librarian. At the conclusion of the skit, Bryant announces the first performer, Lionel Hampton and his orchestra who perform “Jam Session.” After the conclusion of the song, the curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Willie Bryant again appears to announce the next performer, Faye Adams who performs “Everyday” in front of the curtain. After the song ends there are multiple shots of the cheering audience and Bryant appears to announce the next performer, Bill Bailey. Bailey performs a tap dancing routine that includes dance moves from his teacher Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and concludes with a moonwalk. At the end of the performance, the curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Willie Bryant appears to announce the next performer, Herb Jeffries who sings “In My Heart.” When the song ends, the curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Freddie & Flo rush onto the stage to perform a comedy routine. After their routine there are multiple shots of the cheering audience and Bryant appears to announce the next performer, Amos Milburn, who sings “Bad Bad Whiskey” with backing from the Paul Williams Band. At the conclusion of the song, the curtain closes and then reopens so that Milburn can bow. Bryant appears to announce the next performers, The Larks, who sing “The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise.” At the end of the performance, the curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Bryant brings Freddie & Flo back onto the stage for some comedic banter. Bryant then introduces Lionel Hampton who performs “Bongo Interlude.” Two unnamed women dance during the performance. The curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering. When curtain opens, the stage is set up as a tobacconist and Leonard Reed is behind the counter listening to a Brooklyn Dodgers baseball game on the radio. Willie Bryant appears and the two men engage in a brief skit. Bryant then presents the next performer, Sarah Vaughan, who sings “Perdido.” The curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Bryant returns to the stage. Nipsy Russell sneaks onto the stage behind Bryant and the two engage in comedic banter before Bryant presents the next performer, Count Basie who performs “Basie’s Conversation.” The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant introduces Big Joe Turner who sings “Shake Rattle And Roll.” The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant introduces the next performers, The Delta Rhythm Boys, who perform the spiritual “Dem Bones.” The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant introduces the next performers Martha Davis and her husband, Calvin Ponder, who perform “Just Goodbye.” The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant introduces the next performer, Little Buck, who performs a tap dance routine. The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant brings out Little Buck for more applause. Bryant then introduces the next performer, Nat King Cole, who sings “Calypso Blues.” The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Nipsy Russell and Mantan Moreland come out for a comedy routine. Moreland leaves the stage and Russell continues on his own. Following Russell’s routine, Bryant introduces Cab Calloway who performs “Minnie The Moocher.” The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant brings out Ruth Brown for some stage banter before she performs “Teardrops From My Eyes” with backing by the Paul Williams Band. The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant introduces Count Basie for the film’s final performance, “One O’Clock Jump.”

Place depicted

Harlem, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Collection title

Pearl Bowser Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Film and Video

Type

motion pictures (information artifacts)

35mm (photographic film size)

Topic

Actors

Comedy

Entertainers

Film

Jazz (Music)

Musical films

Musicians

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Tap dancing

Variety shows (Television)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser

Object number

2012.79.1.105.1a-d

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

Usage

Usage conditions apply

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd578a039a6-746a-4ea9-9c44-f64988a206d8

Basin Street Revue

Created by

Studio Films, Inc., American, 1951 - 1956

Directed by

Kohn, Joseph

Produced by

Frye, Ben

Subject of

Apollo Theater, founded 1934

Reed, Leonard, American, 1907 - 2004

Bryant, Willie, American, 1908 - 1964

Vaughan, Sarah, American, 1924 - 1990

Lionel Hampton, American, 1908 - 2002

Adams, Faye, American, born 1923

Jeffries, Herb, American, 1913 - 2014

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

The Clovers, American, founded 1946

Davis, Martha, American, 1917 - 1960

Frank Foster, American, 1928 - 2011

Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973

Russell, Nipsey, American, 1918 - 2005

Milburn, Amos, American, 1927 - 1980

Coles & Atkins, American, 1940 - 1959

Williams, Paul, American, 1915 - 2002

Owned by

Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931

Date

1956

Medium

acetate film

Dimensions

Duration: 61 minutes

Length (Film) - Reel 1: 1520 Feet

Length (Film) - Reel 2: 1320 Feet

Length (Film) - Reel 3: 1290 Feet

Length (Film) - Reel 4: 1370 Feet

Title

35mm motion picture film of Basin Street Revue

Caption

"Basin Street Revue is a 1956 feature film compiled by Studio Films, Inc. from previously recorded Snader Telescriptions featuring renowned African American jazz singers and musicians from the 1950s. Performers include Willie Bryant, Sarah Vaughan, Lionel Hampton, Paul Williams, Jimmy Brown, Amos Milbur, Faye Adams, Coles and Atkins, Herb Jefferies, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, The Clovers, Nat King Cole, Martha Davis, Frank Foster, Mantan Moreland, Nipsey Russell, and Marie Bryant.

Description

35mm black and white compilation film of a variety of short musical 'Soundie' films made for music-film jukeboxes, and television, by the Snader Telescription and Studio companies in the 1950s. It consists of four 35mm prints (a-d).

The film begins with a title sequence that announces each performer as a firework explodes behind their name. This is followed by a shot of a theater marquee with the title Basin Street Revue. A credit roll then displays the below the line contributors. Next, an announcer introduces the emcee, Willie Bryant, during a shot of a theater audience. Bryant emerges from behind a curtain as the audience applauds. As Bryant begins to speak, Nipsy Russell walks across the stage and interrupts Bryant with a joke about his mother in law. Bryant then begins his introduction of the show’s proceedings; he refers to the show as the “Harlem Variety Revue.” Bryant then introduces the first performer, Lionel Hampton and his orchestra. The curtain parts and Hampton and his orchestra perform “Ding Dong Baby.” An unknown woman joins Hampton on the stage as he sings, but does not sing herself; he gives her a kiss on the cheek before she exits. After the conclusion of the song, the curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Willie Bryant again appears to announce the next performer, Sarah Vaughan, who performs “You’re Not The Kind.” The song concludes, the curtain closes, and there are multiple shots of the cheering audience as Bryant emerges to introduce the next performers, Jimmy Brown, the saxophonist from the Apollo Theater’s house band, the Paul Williams Band. Bryant and Brown engage in some stage banter before the performance of “My Love Is True.” The song concludes, the curtain closes, and there are multiple shots of the cheering audience as Bryant emerges to introduce the next performer, Martha Davis, who performs “We Just Couldn’t Say Goodbye.” Bryant mentions that Davis is performing with her spouse, bassist, Calvin Ponder. There are multiple insert shots of the audience during the performance. The song concludes, the curtain closes, and there are multiple shots of the cheering audience as Nipsy Russell and Mantan Moreland enter the stage. They perform a short comedy routine together before Bryant introduces the next performer, Amos Milburn. He performs “Bewildered.” The song concludes, the curtain closes, and Bryant has the curtain reopened so Milburn can take a bow. The curtain again closes and Bryant invites Faye Adams onto the stage. The engage in some brief stage banter before she performs “Somebody, Somewhere” in front of the curtain. Jimmy Brown emerges from behind the curtain to perform a solo. The song concludes, there are multiple shots of the cheering audience, and Bryant introduces the next performers, The Clovers, who perform “Lovey Dovey.” The song concludes, the curtain closes, and there are multiple shots of the cheering audience as Bryant emerges to introduce Sarah Vaughan for a performance of “These Things I Offer You (For A Lifetime).” The song concludes, the curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the cheering audience, and Bryant introduces Coles & Atkins. The duo sing and them perform a tap dance routine. Their performance concludes, they bow and Bryant introduces Herb Jeffries by way of a brief skit. Jeffries performs “A Woman Is A Worrisome Thing” from the balcony of a fire escape. The song concludes, the curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the cheering audience, and Bryant introduces Cab Calloway, who performs “Calloway Boogie.” Calloway dances with an unknown female dancer. A “The End” title card appears as the song and the film conclude.

Place depicted

Harlem, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Collection title

Pearl Bowser Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Film and Video

Type

motion pictures (information artifacts)

35mm (photographic film size)

Topic

Actors

Comedy

Dance

Entertainers

Film

Jazz (Music)

Musical films

Variety shows (Television)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser

Object number

2012.79.1.85.1a-d

Restrictions & Rights

© Studio Films, Inc. Permission required for use.

Usage

Usage conditions apply

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd508a4bd22-4c0f-431a-af26-b4abb821ba11

Lobby card for the film Ebony Parade

Published by

Astor Pictures, American, 1930 - 1963

Subject of

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

Basie, Count, American, 1904 - 1984

Smythe, Vanita, American, 1925 - 1994

Lee, Mable, American, 1921 - 2019

Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973

Dandridge, Dorothy, American, 1922 - 1965

Everett, Francine, American, 1915 - 1999

Date

1947

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 11 × 14 in. (28 × 35.5 cm)

Description

Lobby card for the 1947 film Ebony Parade. The card features a yellow background with red and white text. The rectangular lobby card has a large, tinted color image from the film on the upper left side. In the image Mabel Lee is sitting on a blue table wearing a two piece black costume. Seated at the table next to her is Mantan Moreland dressed as a female fortune teller, his hands on a crystal ball on top of the table. Mabel Lee is also resting her right hand on the crystal ball. A yellow curtain is behind them. To the right of the image are colored head shots of performers appearing in the film, including Moreland, Dorothy Dandridge, Count Basie, Mabel Lee, Vanita Smythe, Cab Calloway, and Francine Everett. Musical clefs and notes are behind the head shots. Printed text on the bottom of the card reads "ASTOR PICTURES / Presents / EBONY PARADE" and "with Cab Calloway / HIS BAND / Count Basie / HIS BAND / Vanita Smythe / Mabel Lee / and many others." The card has a yellowish white border. Printed in black ink in the bottom right corner is [Country of Origin U. S. A.]. The back of the lobby card is blank.

Place used

United States, North and Central America

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Type

lobby cards

Topic

Actors

Advertising

Comedy

Conductors (Musicians)

Dance

Entertainers

Film

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Jazz (Music)

Musical films

Musicians

Race films

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2019.22.13

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

Usage

Not determined

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f0402ffd-d88e-46ab-b4ed-0b358a3b9018

A lobby card for the movie St. Louis Blues

Published by

Paramount Pictures, American, founded 1912

Subject of

Cole, Nat King, American, 1919 - 1965

Kitt, Eartha, American, 1927 - 2008

Bailey, Pearl, American, 1918 - 1990

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

Fitzgerald, Ella, American, 1917 - 1996

Jackson, Mahalia, American, 1911 - 1972

Dee, Ruby, American, 1924 - 2014

Juano Hernández, 1896 - 1970

Handy, W.C., American, 1873 - 1958

Date

1958

Medium

ink on poster board

Dimensions

H x W: 11 x 14 in. (27.9 x 35.6 cm)

Description

A lobby card for the movie St. Louis Blues. The card features a depiction of four cast members on the right: Barney Bigard, Nat "King" Cole, Eartha Kitt, and Cab Calloway. To the left of that image is a red square with the title: [St. Louis Blues] inside, and below the title a list of film credits.

Place depicted

Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, North and Central America

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Type

lobby cards

Topic

Actors

Blues (Music)

Film

Musical films

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2010.34.14

Restrictions & Rights

© 1958 Paramount Pictures. Permission required for use.

Usage

Usage conditions apply

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd58811b3c6-a8d3-445f-9e2a-faa242299249

Publicity photograph from Stormy Weather

Created by

20th Century Fox Film Corporation, American, founded 1935

Subject of

Horne, Lena, American, 1917 - 2010

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

Robinson, Bill "Bojangles", American, 1878 - 1949

Date

1943; published 1990

Medium

photographic gelatin and silver on photographic paper

Dimensions

L x W: 8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm)

Description

This black and white photograph depicts a movie scene with (from left to right) Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Lena Horne, and Cab Calloway, stars of the 1943 film "Stormy Weather" produced by 20th Century-Fox Productions.

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Type

gelatin silver prints

Topic

Actors

Photography

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2011.27.4.5

Restrictions & Rights

©20th Century Fox Film Corporation . Permission required for use.

Usage

Usage conditions apply

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5181239d3-2a63-4caf-aca0-d241d22b6362

Playbill for Hello, Dolly!

Published by

Playbill, American, founded 1884

Used by

St. James Theatre, American, founded 1927

Subject of

Bailey, Pearl, American, 1918 - 1990

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

Yancy, Emily, American, born 1939

Brewer, Sherri, American

Hemsley, Winston DeWitt

King, Mabel, American, 1932 - 1999

Freeman, Morgan, American, born 1937

Lawson, Roger

Rasulala, Thalmus, American, 1939 - 1991

Date

1968

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 9 x 6 in. (22.9 x 15.2 cm)

Description

Playbill for Hello, Dolly! White background with yellow box at top; photograph below depicts a man and a woman; the woman is wearing a large hat and is holding up one finger while the man has his hands in his pockets. [St. James/Theatre/PLAYBILL/the national magazine for theatregoers/Hello, Dolly!] White circular sticker on back, handwritten 1968.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Place used

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Type

theater programs

Topic

Actors

Broadway Theatre

Musical Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Kayla Deigh Owens

Object number

2011.45.43

Restrictions & Rights

Playbill used by permission. All rights reserved, Playbill Inc.

Usage

Usage conditions apply

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f73155ca-b924-4ab3-aa03-fdffb1d3a1ce

Playbill for The Pajama Game

Published by

Playbill, American, founded 1884

Used by

Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, American, founded 1910

Subject of

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

Jordan, Marc, American, born 1948

de Beer, Gerrit

Waterman, Willard, American, 1914 - 1995

Miller, Sharron, American

Linden, Hal, American, born 1931

Catlett, Mary Jo, American, born 1938

Brummel, David, American, born 1942

Engstrom, Jon

Haynes, Tiger, American, 1914 - 1994

McNair, Barbara, American, 1934 - 2007

Coleman, Margret

Calloway, Chris, American, 1945 - 2008

Turner, Wyetta

Norman, Hal

Wilson, Baron

Date

1973

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 9 x 5 5/8 in. (22.9 x 14.3 cm)

Description

Playbill for The Pajama Game. White background with pink, orange, and yellow vertical striped box at top; white box below with graphic of a man lifting a woman; pajama top on hanger on right side of cover. [PLAYBILL/MAGAZINE/LUNT-FONTANNE/THEATRE/THE/PAJAMA/GAME] White circular sticker on back, handwritten 1973.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Place used

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Type

theater programs

Topic

Actors

Broadway Theatre

Comedy (Theatre)

Musical Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Kayla Deigh Owens

Object number

2011.45.76

Restrictions & Rights

Playbill used by permission. All rights reserved, Playbill Inc.

Usage

Usage conditions apply

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd59384b49e-1fb9-4007-9b3c-730c38d4af27

Transit pass for St. Louis Public Service Company depicting Cab Calloway

Created by

St. Louis Public Service Company, American, 1927 - 1966

Subject of

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

Pine Street YMCA, American, 1919 - 1955

Date

April 1944

On View

Community/Third Floor, 3 050

Exhibition

Making a Way Out of No Way

Medium

ink on wove paper

Dimensions

H x W: 2 1/8 x 3 5/8 in. (5.4 x 9.2 cm)

Description

Transit pass for the St. Louis Public Service Company depicting Cab Calloway. The pass features information about the 9th Annual Pine St. Y Circus featuring Cab Calloway. The pass is a cream and orange-colored pass with additional text and a graphic of Cab Calloway off-center left.

Place depicted

Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, North and Central America

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Type

passes (tickets)

Topic

Jazz (Music)

Transportation

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2010.34.20

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Usage

CC0

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd54c731c5b-fec2-4544-bc21-8ef270c580f8

Advertisement for Madam C. J. Walker products

Published by

Unidentified

Subject of

Walker, Madam C.J. Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906

Walker, Madam C.J., American, 1867 - 1919

Washington, Booker T., American, 1856 - 1915

Douglass, Frederick, American, 1818 - 1895

Hayes, Roland, American, 1887 - 1977

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

Spaulding, Charles Clinton, American, 1874 - 1952

Moton, Robert Russa, American, 1867 - 1940

Date

1906-1950

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

Sheet: H x W: 21 1/4 x 15 5/16 in. (54 x 38.9 cm)

Frame: H x W: 23 1/4 x 16 7/8 x 1 in. (59.1 x 42.9 x 2.5 cm)

Description

Double-sided full-page advertisement for Madam C. J. Walker products. Yellowed paper printed in dark brown ink. One side is titled "Amazing Progress of Colored Race / - improved appearance responsible" at the top. Underneath are portraits of Booker T. Washington, Roland Hayes, Cab Calloway, C. C. Spaulding, Dr. Moton and Frederick Douglass arranged in a semi-circle around the text "Good Looks, Neatness / Were Very Important Essentials / in the Success of these People." Each portrait is accompanied by a short note about the individual pictured. The bottom half of the page features a portrait of Madam C. J. Walker next to an images of a cabin and her home, Villa Lewaro. The images accompany text under the title "From Slave Cabin to Mansion / - the Greatest Benefactress of Our Race." The page also features an image of Walker's Wonder Pomade for men and other advertising text.

The reverse has tan text in a dark brown box at the top that reads "Look Your Best to Succeed / The Choicest Gifts of Society and Business / Go to Those Who Prepare Themselves and -- / "Look the Part"." Underneath, the page features illustrations of a beauty salon and portraits of multiple women in various poses. At the center of the page is a tan oval with brown text advertising Madam Walker’s beauty treatments. The advertisement is housed in a gold-painted wooden frame with clear glass on each side.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Type

advertisements

Topic

Advertising

Beauty culture

Business

Men

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of A'Lelia Bundles / Madam Walker Family Archives

Object number

2013.153.11.1

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

Usage

Usage conditions apply

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f4e10987-50c9-4a9f-afb4-835a65a2d96d

Program / Menu from the Cotton Club

Written by

Koehler, Ted L., American, 1894 - 1973

Composed by

Bloom, Rube, American, 1902 - 1976

Produced by

Stark, Herman, American, 1895 - 1981

Subject of

Robinson, Bill "Bojangles", American, 1878 - 1949

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

Robinson, Clarence

Harrison, Julian, American

Richards, Al, American

Will Vodery's Jubileers, American

Socarrás, Alberto, Cuban American, 1908 - 1987

Tharpe, Sister Rosetta, American, 1915 - 1973

Cotton Club, American, 1923 - 1940

Date

1938

Medium

ink on paper and metal

Dimensions

H x W: 13 1/4 × 10 1/4 in. (33.7 × 26 cm)

Description

Program from the Cotton Club with menu and program listing. Front cover has a blue background with white printed text reading [THE WORLD FAMOUS / COTTON / CLUB] over top of an orange circle and features black and white illustrations by Julian Harrison. On the lower half of the cover is a large illustration titled [JAM SESSION] featuring Duke Ellington seated at a piano, with Cab Calloway behind him and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson dancing in the middle, with other musicans and dancers around them. Along the left side are four smaller illustrations in a vertical line against an orange background. At the top is [JUNGLE JIVE], followed by [BOOGIE WOOGIE], [CONGO CONGA], AND [JITTER BUGS]. The program's interior consists of two single sheets making four pages. The first page introduces the show with [HERMAN STARK / Presents / World's Fair Edition / Starring / Bill ROBINSON - Cab CALLOWAY] followed by other performers, including Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and production credits including choreography by Clarence Robinson and sets by Julian Harrison. At the bottom is [ENTIRE PRODUCTION CONCEIVED AND DIRECTED BY TED KOEHLER]. The interior two pages present the menu with [Wine List] on the left and [Supper Menu] on the right. The final page lists the program in two acts. On either side of the page are illustrated columns with tribal mask adorning them.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Place used

New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Type

programs

Topic

Actors

Composers (Musicians)

Conductors (Musicians)

Dance

Entertainers

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Jazz (Music)

Musical Theatre

Nightlife

Popular music

Segregation

Singers (Musicians)

Stereotypes

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Vicki Gold Levi

Object number

2013.223.21

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

Usage

CC0

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd57335c507-843a-47cb-90e5-c47c7f0566be

Print of Cab Calloway conducting his band

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

Al Morgan, American, 1908 - 1974

Date

1930s

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 4 5/8 × 6 9/16 in. (11.8 × 16.7 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 4 15/16 × 6 7/8 in. (12.5 × 17.5 cm)

Description

A black and white photograph of Cab Calloway conducting a band. Calloway is pictured at the right side of the image, in profile. He is turned facing towards the band, on the left. His proper left arm is raised, with a conductor's baton lightly grasped in his open hand. His head is pulled back, his face and gaze turned upwards, and his mouth open. He wears a light colored, double-breasted suit jacket and matching pants with a dark stripe up the side. The band members are gathered closely before him and to his proper left, wearing matching jackets and playing their instruments. From the bottom left is a trumpet player, a trombone player with slide outstretched, and an upright bass player turned to look and smile directly at the camera. To Calloway's proper right are two saxophone players. In the background are four chorus girls in matching light colored headdresses and sequined outfits. A large floral arrangement is in the top left corner and an art deco style, diamond shaped light fixture is in the top center. There are no marks or inscriptions, front or back.

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Type

gelatin silver prints

Topic

Conductors (Musicians)

Dance

Jazz (Music)

Musicians

Nightlife

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Cabella Calloway Langsam

Object number

2013.237.10

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

Usage

CC0

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ff21c293-01fc-4a30-ae30-bfe3fb4575f2

Print of Cab Calloway in checked suit standing in front of microphone

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

Date

1930s

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 6 15/16 × 4 13/16 in. (17.6 × 12.2 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 6 15/16 × 5 in. (17.6 × 12.7 cm)

Description

A black and white photograph of Cab Calloway wearing a checked tuxedo and singing into a microphone. Calloway is pictured in the center of the image, both arms bent at the elbow and raised chest high, a conductors baton held in his proper left hand and pointing downwards. His head is tilted slightly to his proper left, his eyes are closed and his mouth open and smiling slightly. The checked tuxedo has high-waisted pleated pants and a tail coat with dark colored trim at the collar. He wears a white shirt and white bow tie. Behind him and slightly out of focus are seated band members. All wear light colored suits and most hold their instruments in their hands, not playing. At the back right side, a trumpet player holds an upturned trumpet to play with both hands. Behind the band, a sequined curtain is partially visible where the spotlight on Calloway shines on it. There are no marks or inscriptions, front or back.

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Topic

Conductors (Musicians)

Dance

Jazz (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Cabella Calloway Langsam

Object number

2013.237.11

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

Usage

CC0

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5cf81dbdb-0c9e-4115-b48c-e9313989961f

Print of Cab Calloway with his band and dancers onstage at the Cotton Club

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994

Cotton Club, American, 1923 - 1940

Date

1937; printed 1970s

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 3 11/16 × 4 3/4 in. (9.4 × 12 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 4 × 5 in. (10.2 × 12.7 cm)

Description

A black-and-white photograph of dancers in matching outfits in front of Cab Calloway. Calloway is depicted wearing a light colored tuxedo. The large group of women dancers are wearing matching white tops with black and white vertically striped shorts. Calloway's band is also visible in the background.

Place captured

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Type

gelatin silver prints

Topic

Conductors (Musicians)

Dance

Entertainers

Jazz (Music)

Nightlife

Popular music

Segregation

Singers (Musicians)

Stereotypes

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Cabella Calloway Langsam

Object number

2013.237.12

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

Usage

CC0

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f6494770-3ca1-42ae-b87c-beae211a2706