Cab Calloway, a renowned jazz and swing music singer, composer, and band leader, passed away on November 18th, 1994 at the age of 86. Born in Rochester, New York on Christmas Day in 1907 as first of four children, Cab Calloway started his career at the age of 14 when he was a steamboat stoker on the Hudson River and sang for extra money. He moved to Harlem in 1925 to pursue a career in music and started singing at local nightclubs. He became a national celebrity after a performance at the Cotton Club in 1931, and went on to tour Europe several times. Calloway’s career was prominent throughout the 1930s and 1940s. He became an icon of the swing era, as his name was associated with the music genre that was popular in the time. He had great success due to his flamboyant style of delivery, scat singing, and dress. He scored many hits, some of which include "Minnie the Moocher", "St. James Infirmary", and "Hi-De-Ho". Calloway was also a prolific composer, writing over 50 songs during his career. He also wrote and published his memoir, Of Minnie the Moocher and Me, in 1976. He was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1978. Calloway will be remembered by generations for his powerful, lively Spirit and musical talents.