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Museum object · Photographs and Still Images

Print of Cab Calloway conducting his band

1930s

Smithsonian NMAAHC collection

Source image for Print of Cab Calloway conducting his bandLoading image…
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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 conducting a band. Calloway is pictured at the right side of the image, in profile. He is turned facing towards the band, on the left. His proper left arm is raised, with a conductor's baton lightly grasped in his open hand. His head is pulled back, his face and gaze turned upwards, and his mouth open. He wears a light colored, double-breasted suit jacket and matching pants with a dark stripe up the side. The band members are gathered closely before him and to his proper left, wearing matching jackets and playing their instruments. From the bottom left is a trumpet player, a trombone player with slide outstretched, and an upright bass player turned to look and smile directly at the camera. To Calloway's proper right are two saxophone players. In the background are four chorus girls in matching light colored headdresses and sequined outfits.

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: 2013.237.10

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