1940-41

At this point in Calloway's career, he was leading one of the greatest bands in jazz, capable of roof-raising ensembles and including searing soloists like Chu Berry and Jonah Jones. But then there's the no small matter of the leader's vocals. Cab had a pleasant baritone and nicely clipped diction, but also a wavering sense of tone and time. He was also to jazz singing what Iggy Pop was to rock: his comic persona was so overpowering that even songs that he was otherwise trying to deliver "straight" came off as comic and arch. The effect can be a bit off-putting. But, as with Iggy, when Cab was just going for fun and dumb, he was a kick.