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Museum object · Photographs and Still Images

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

1930s

Smithsonian NMAAHC collection

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Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

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.

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2013.237.11

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