Cab Calloway, the legendary bandleader and jazz icon, is celebrated for his electrifying performances and contributions to American music.

His career spanned several decades, captivating audiences with his unique style and charismatic stage presence.

However, behind the glitz and glamour of his public persona lay a complex personal life filled with hidden truths and family mysteries.

Recent revelations from his family have shed light on long-standing rumors, particularly regarding the identity of a secret child.

This article explores the life and legacy of Cab Calloway, the impact of his music, and the surprising connections that have emerged from his family’s history.

 

Cab Calloway, born Cabell Calloway III on December 25, 1907, in Rochester, New York, grew up in a family that valued education and the arts.

His father, Cabell Calloway Jr. , was a lawyer and real estate agent, while his mother, Martha Eulalia Reed, was a teacher and church organist.

The family moved to Baltimore, Maryland, when Cab was just 11 years old, following the death of his father.

 

Growing up in West Baltimore, Cab displayed an early interest in music, despite his parents’ disapproval of his aspirations to pursue jazz.

He took on various jobs to help support his family, including selling newspapers and shining shoes.

His passion for music flourished as he performed in local clubs and juke joints, honing his skills under the mentorship of notable musicians like drummer Chick Webb and pianist Johnny Jones.

 

After graduating from high school in 1925, Calloway began performing in Baltimore nightclubs.

He joined his sister, Blanche Calloway, on tour with the musical revue *Plantation Days*, which further ignited his passion for show business.

Despite his mother’s wishes for him to pursue a law degree, Cab followed his heart, eventually dropping out of law school to focus on his music career.

 

In 1929, Calloway’s talent caught the attention of Louis Armstrong, who introduced him to the art of scat singing.

This unique vocal style, characterized by improvisation and nonsensical syllables, became a hallmark of Calloway’s performances.

His big break came when he joined the band The Missourians, which later became known as Cab Calloway and His Orchestra.

Their performance at the Cotton Club in Harlem marked the beginning of Calloway’s rise to stardom.

 

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Calloway became a household name, known for his energetic performances and signature phrases like “Hi-De-Ho.

” His most famous song, “Minnie the Moocher,” was released in 1931 and became the first single by an African-American artist to sell over a million copies.

The song’s catchy chorus and Calloway’s charismatic delivery solidified his place in music history.

 

Calloway’s influence extended beyond music; he also made significant contributions to film and television.

He appeared in several movies, including *Stormy Weather* and *The Blues Brothers*, where he performed “Minnie the Moocher” with the same vigor that had made him famous decades earlier.

His performances were characterized by his flamboyant style, complete with a white-tailed tuxedo and energetic dance moves.

Despite the challenges posed by the Great Depression, Calloway thrived, earning substantial income from his performances and radio broadcasts.

He became the first African-American to have a nationally syndicated radio show at just 23 years old, further breaking barriers in the entertainment industry.

 

While Cab Calloway’s public persona was that of a confident entertainer, his personal life was marked by complexities and secrets.

In January 1927, while attending law school, Calloway fathered a daughter named Camay with a fellow student, Zelma Proctor.

Though they were not married, Camay would go on to become a pioneer in education, teaching in a predominantly white school in Virginia.

 

In 1928, Calloway married Winona Betty Coniker, a wealthy woman with whom he adopted a daughter named Constance.

However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1949. Later that same year, he married Zulme “Nuffie” McNeill, and they had three daughters together: Chris, Cecilia, and Cabella.

Chris Calloway followed in her father’s footsteps, becoming a respected jazz singer and performer.

 

The most surprising revelation about Calloway’s personal life came after the death of actress Ja’Net DuBois in February 2020.

Known for her role as Willona Woods on *Good Times* and for co-writing the theme song for *The Jeffersons*, DuBois’s death certificate revealed a shocking truth: her birth name was listed as Janette T. Calloway DuBois, indicating that she was Cab Calloway’s daughter.

Ja’Net DuBois’s life was marked by talent and determination. Born into a struggling African-American family, she overcame numerous obstacles to achieve success in the entertainment industry.

Her rise to fame began with her role in the play *The Hot L Baltimore*, which caught the attention of television producer Norman Lear, leading to her iconic role in *Good Times*.

 

Despite her achievements, Ja’Net maintained a private life, and details about her background remained elusive.

The revelation of her connection to Cab Calloway raised questions about her parentage and the nature of their relationship.

According to family sources, Ja’Net’s mother, Lillian, may have had a relationship with Cab before marrying Gordon DuBois, who played a significant role in raising Ja’Net.

 

This unexpected twist added a new layer of intrigue to Ja’Net’s story, as the media scrambled to uncover the truth about her lineage.

Ja’Net’s daughter later confirmed the connection, shedding light on the hidden aspects of her mother’s life, including the possibility of Cab’s involvement during Ja’Net’s early years.

 

Cab Calloway’s influence on music and culture is immeasurable. His energetic performances, innovative scat singing, and charismatic stage presence paved the way for future generations of musicians.

He inspired countless artists, including legends like James Brown and Michael Jackson, who drew from Calloway’s style and showmanship.

Even after his passing in 1994, Calloway’s legacy continues to be celebrated. He received numerous posthumous honors, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

His song “Minnie the Moocher” remains a timeless classic, recognized for its cultural significance and impact on American music.

 

The revelations about his family, particularly the connection to Ja’Net DuBois, serve as a reminder of the complexities that often accompany fame.

While Calloway’s public persona was one of success and charisma, his personal life was filled with hidden stories and relationships that shaped his legacy.

 

Cab Calloway’s life was a tapestry of triumphs, challenges, and hidden truths. From his early days in Baltimore to his rise as a jazz icon, he navigated the complexities of fame while leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

The recent revelations about his family, particularly the connection to Ja’Net DuBois, add depth to his story, highlighting the intricate relationships that defined his life.

 

As we celebrate Cab Calloway’s contributions to music and culture, we are reminded that behind every icon lies a multifaceted legacy—one that encompasses not only their public achievements but also the personal stories that shaped them.

Calloway’s journey serves as an inspiration for future generations, encouraging them to embrace their passions and navigate the complexities of life with resilience and grace.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.