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    • Singers (Musicians) 35 [-]
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    • gelatin silver prints 15 [-]
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  • name:"Calloway, Cab"
Your search found 44 result(s).
Print
  • 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
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    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
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    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
  • 16mm motion picture film of Cab Calloway in Haiti home movie

    Created by
    Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994
    Subject of
    Presidential Palace, Haitian
    Holy Trinity Cathedral, Haitian, founded 1924
    Date
    1951
    Medium
    acetate film , metal and cardboard
    Dimensions
    Length: 122 Feet
    Duration (digital file): 4 min., 6 sec.
    Caption
    16mm silent color film shot by Cab Calloway during his 1951 tour in Haiti. This film features footage of Cab Calloway and his band performing on an outdoor stage, the local townspeople, a local Haitian pottery market, and the Presidential Palace and Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port-au-Prince.
    Description
    This silent, color, home movie was shot by Cab Calloway while on a music tour in Haiti in 1951. It consists of an original 16mm film strip (a) on an original 100-foot film reel (b) and is housed in an original 100-foot film box (c).
    The film begins with footage of Cab Calloway and his band onstage playing. The band consists of a piano player, a brass section, a bass player, and a drummer in addition to Calloway. They appear to be ending a performance. The next scene shows the same stage, with a different band playing. This band has a percussion section with maracas, a drum and two other percussion instruments. There is also a guitar player. The next scene shows three people in front of a stage with a colorful background. The woman in the middle appears to be Nuffie Calloway, Cab Calloway's wife. The camera then pans to a seating area and some men setting up tables. The next scene is shot from a mountain overlooking a city. There is footage of four children and a man in front of a building, and footage of a marketplace with people selling objects carved from wood. The next scene shows a bust of Toussaint L'Ouverture on a column with another statue below the bust reaching up to it. The next scene shows the exterior of the Presidential Palace in Port-au-Prince as well as a busy street scene. The film concludes with footage of the exterior of Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the sign with the name of the church and schedule of services in English and French.
    An original 100-foot cardboard film box (2013.237.20.1c). The cardboard box is brown and has a handwritten address and a postal stamp on the back.
    Place filmed
    Port-au-Prince, Ouest, Haiti, Caribbean, Latin America, North and Central America
    Collection title
    The Cabell “Cab” Calloway III Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Type
    silent films
    home movies
    16mm (photographic film size)
    Topic
    Actors
    Conductors (Musicians)
    Singers (Musicians)
    Travel
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Cabella Calloway Langsam
    Object number
    2013.237.20.1abc
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Cabella Calloway Langsam
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5c5e044bf-26f1-41be-a86b-ab1621c2c71a
  • 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
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    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
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    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
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    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
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    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
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    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
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    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

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