Cab Calloway

Cab Calloway, a famous bandleader in the 1930's and 40's, was best known for his over- the-top style. Calloway grew up in Baltimore and moved to Chicago to perform as a singer and dancer. He achieved success in New York, replacing Duke Ellington's band as the house orchestra at the Cotton Club, where he performed until the club's closing. Known as a great bandleader and scat (improvising with nonsense syllables) singer, he continued performing into the 1980s. His most famous song, "Minnie the Moocher," was recorded in 1931.

(AP Photo)