Object Details
Artist
Domenico Facci, 2 Feb 1916 - 6 Nov 1994
Sitter
Cab Calloway, 25 Dec 1907 - 18 Nov 1994
Exhibition Label
Born Rochester, New York
Cab Calloway began performing in Chicago and New York City in the late 1920s. The bandleader and singer became famous after recording “Minnie the Moocher” in 1931—the first jazz song to sell a million copies—and helped popularize “scat” singing during the swing era. Calloway toured extensively, broadcast often on radio, and appeared in films ranging from Stormy Weather (1943) to The Blues Brothers (1980). He also appeared on Broadway as Sportin’ Life in a 1950 revival of Porgy and Bess (he claimed the character was based on him), and with Pearl Bailey in the 1967 all-black revival of Hello, Dolly!
Provenance
Artist’s widow, Penny Edwards-Facci; gift to NPG 1999
Credit Line
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Penny Edwards-Facci
Date
1959
Object number
NPG.99.103
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Copyright
© Estate of Domenico Facci
Type
Sculpture
Medium
Patinated hydrocal
Dimensions
With Base: 45.7 x 18.1 x 17.8cm (18 x 7 1/8 x 7")
Without Base: 31.8 x 18.1 x 17.8cm (12 1/2 x 7 1/8 x 7")
Mount: 14 x 14cm (5 1/2 x 5 1/2")
See more items in
National Portrait Gallery Collection
Location
Currently not on view
Data Source
National Portrait Gallery
Topic
Costume\Dress Accessory\Neckwear\Tie\Necktie
Cab Calloway: Male
Cab Calloway: Arts and Culture\Literature\Writer
Cab Calloway: Arts and Culture\Performing Arts\Music\Musician
Cab Calloway: Arts and Culture\Performing Arts\Music\Musician\Songwriter
Cab Calloway: Arts and Culture\Performing Arts\Dance\Dancer
Cab Calloway: Arts and Culture\Performing Arts\Music\Musician\Singer\Jazz singer
Portrait
Link to Original Record
Record ID
npg_NPG.99.103