The wonderful 1974 LP “Cab Calloway Classics - Hi De Ho Man” is a great collection of tunes that cover the high point of Cab’s career in the 1930’s and 40’s.

Performing regularly at the legendary Cotton Club in Harlem his band featured stellar jazz musicians including trumpet player Dizzy Gillespie.

His style embodied swing and scat singing that would have enduring appeal for decades.

The classic “Hi-de-ho" of his famous tune “Minnie the Moocher” was actually an accident as he improvised a scat lyric to cover the real lyrics he had forgotten.

In fact “Hi-de-ho" would be repeated in several of his other tunes becoming a familiar trademark.

His humor and his scat singing really personified his appeal in a long career that last over 60 years.

Check out “The Calloway Boogie’ recorded in 1947 providing a template for 50’s rock and roll - same with “Jumpin Jive”.

In fact the essence of these tunes are revisited every decade through the 80’s and beyond - eg. Fun Boy Three featuring Bananarama - “It Ain’t What You Do, It’s The Way That You Do It” from 1982 being one example that traces its lineage back to the 40’s.

Cab’s use of alliteration and clever rhyming in the lyrics help propel the tunes and the meaning - a good example is “Everybody Eats When They Come To My House” from 1947.

Although not written by him -on this occasion it was perfect for his style.

There was only one Cab Calloway - the showmanship, the oversized zoot suits and the huge talent to match!