Caught in the Rhythm: My First Reaction to Cab Calloway & the Nicholas Brothers'Jumpin Jive'!

[@capstan50g]

Cab Calloway was an American treasure. What a privilege it would have been to see a show like this live. Great reaction, Sarah! You should follow up with Cab's most famous hit, Minnie The Moocher.

[@cavecookie1]

There's a Betty Boop cartoon from the 30's that features "Minnie The Moocher", and some fantastic animation. Easy to find on KZbin, and well worth the time...gonna go watch it again, right now!

[@hempluva]

The scene from the Blues Brothers... fantastic within that movie. A great homage.

[@capstan50g]

@@hempluvaAgreed!

[@brickspieth6797]

Decades later, Cab Calloway was exposed to a new generation in the Blues Brothers movie.

[@TheToscanaMan]

Cab Calloway is a legend of scat singing and the Nicholas Brothers have legs that are made of "rubber" I think haha. Put them together on one stage and wow... hang on. Great reaction Sarah. ❤

[@darena55]

I think they have cajones made of rubber too, lol, they way they can bounce back up after doing the splits

[@GoWestYoungMan]

The culture has changed so much the last 80 years. Back in the day, people went out to clubs to sing, dance, interact, and listen to live music with real instruments. Even 30 years ago we did this. It was a different style of music, dress, and dance but the core elements were all still present. Today, people grab their phones to look at TikTok videos. I often feel sad for the younger generations. They don't know what they've missed out on.

[@carolhayar3037]

Yes, they are missing out on a lot -- having grown up w-those musicals, clubs where you ate, danced, watched a live show is something that unfortunately people now will never be able to enjoy -- not to mention all those great instruments that were a part of our music -- the saxophone, xylophone, the horns, etc., the Big Band era. Young people now think what they're seeing on a little phone -- or even on a video -- is great. They have no idea what it was like to dress up, go out for the night to have all of that live right in front of you-- or even on the big screen in theaters. Shame we've lost all of that.

[@kristinewalberg2938]

I suspect it may return one day. My Gen Z niece was in the Ballroom Dancing club at her university and I know of a number of schools that offer similar activities. My local Parks and Rec even offers a Swing Dance class for high school kids, that I understand is extremely popular. I suspect that as we come out of the shadow of 2020, young people especially are feeling the need for genuine human interaction. It's nice to see.

[@carlgrove8793]

Part of the problem is that they don't want to explore any music other than the dreadful stuff that passes for pop these days. Not just pop but classical, different countries' music -- they miss out on it all.

[@Barbara_Schulz]

The war time movies and acts were all about uplifting the American spirit.

[@khem127]

Cab Calloway learned from his sister, Blanche Calloway. You should listen to Minne the Moocher by Cab Calloway.

[@johnmorris3941]

When people needed talent to be a star.

[@shellysands7342]

These guys are legends. ❤❤❤ Back when music was real. Not something on a computer. Cab Calloway was a genius.

[@Sp33gan]

Welcome to the world of Big Band/Swing, Sarah. While I'm not old enough to have been alive, my mum was a little girl at this time. Cab Calloway was one of the wilder of the band leaders and his style was a big influence on the emergence of Rock 'n' Roll more than a decade later. In many ways, this music is early Rock 'n' Roll. As for the Nicholas Brothers, I can't believe anyone has ever danced like this before or since. They were real brothers and their timing and talent was unmatched. This clip is from a wonderful movie from 1943 called Stormy Weather. Aside from the musical numbers, it starred Lena Horne and Bill Robinson in a romance. The true beauty of this movie, however, is the incredible music. I cannot recommend enough watching Lena Horne sing the title song, Stormy Weather. She was so incredibly talented and was singing into her 80s and still sounded amazing.

[@thomasglynn2282]

Yep same here, parents were raised in the 40s and 50s listening to big bands and early rock and roll. Grew up in 70s with no cable yet and got to watch all those great movies that aired all day Sunday. The marx brothers, Blondie, Abbott and Costello, Benny, Burns and Allen and all the rest. All the movies always had a musical number.

[@philipbutler6608]

I saw Cab Callaway once and Bb King once.

[@Sp33gan]

@@philipbutler6608 Cool! I'd have loved to have seen Calloway! I did manage to see BB King a few times, all of them at an intimate dinner club here called The Cave, long since torn down but an great venue in its day.

[@JohnH.Sturgis]

Beautiful performance ... beautiful reaction! And being sad that you'll never be able to buy a ticket to see them live, that's true appreciation of artistry from the past. Thank you so much!

[@tonym362]

You may see some other good tap dancers, but never better than the Nicholas Brothers.

[@danieldickson8591]

As a duo they were unmatched.

[@subitman]

If you want to see Cab Calloway again, try the original satirical Blues Brothers movie with Dan Akroyd and John Belushi. Calloway sang and conducted a song called Minnie the Moocher. I like your reaction. Thank you. It bought a smile to my face on an overcast day.

[@harryrabbit2870]

I think the thing I find so impressive about that routine by the Nicholas Brothers were not just the jumping splits but the strength to go straight from a split to a standing position. To see human beings do this always brings tears to eyes, it's so beautiful. Great reaction, Sarah. Thx.

[@pamagnolia]

This is from the 1943 movie Stormy Weather!!😊

[@kirksmith2051]

Featuring the legendary Lena Horne.

[@paolopiccardo7054]

And Bojangles,and Fats Waller...

[@laurencaulton103]

This routine by the Nicholas Brothers is the height of tap dancing. Jazz ruled.

[@paulward1799]

One take, mindblowing!

[@thomastimlin1724]

Fred Astaire, one of the most famous best dancers of that era, once said the Nicholas Brothers in this film was the greatest dance team ever on the film screen.

[@rodjohnson2632]

Isn't it amazing how much physical strength, flexibility, and stamina must have been required for these kinds of performances? With everyone smoking in those days, you wonder how they had the lung capacity to last for more than a minute before exhaustion set in!

[@garymathena2125]

This was one of the greatest times in Harlem, it was a Renaissance period for the area.

[@fredkrissman6527]

Your happiness makes ME happy Sarah!

[@tommosley2844]

This is from the movie Stormy Weather. This is a famous movie from 1943 with an all black cast. All the black Stars were there with the exception of Dorothy Dandrige. You should watch the entire movie.

[@axiomist4488]

This is "SWING" music, which was around in the 30s and 40s . Look up some videos of people dancing to swing back then. It'll blow your mind .

[@IndianaBones]

I am a oddball born in 1980's but love all these kinds of style of music.. I have to thank my parents for hearing this.

[@vinnynj78]

Born in '78 and I have my parents to thank for my musical knowledge as well. I even managed to take a liking to the Big Bands my grandparents were familiar with. Altogether fantastic music and performers.

[@deejay963]

A lot of old movies have these gentlemen showing off their talents. Watch them as often as possible, pure joy.😊

[@MichaelYoder1961]

The Nicolas Brothers were incredible dancers and Cab Calloway was brilliant.

[@glenchapman3899]

I bet in 20 years everyone assume the brothers are AI generated lol

[@thomasglynn2282]

Sun valley serenade, Glenn Miller and the Nicholas brothers Chattanooga Choo Choo. Milton Berle too

[@minerva4558]

American treasure! Cab was also in The Blues Brothers as was a wonderful performance from Aretha when she was so young! Watch it, you won’t regret it!

[@13terapyn]

When you look up the word "perfection" in the dictionary...

[@Ira88881]

I just paused this to post…even before you saw the brothers start to dance…and your head is already exploding. I’m afraid to see what happens to you when you witness the greatest dancing performance of all time.

[@JB-Deadskins]

They don't make them like that anymore.

[@dagmar.6954]

I have seen this a few times & it always amazes me. These brothers were extremely talented. It always gets me when they do the split jumps. You would think they would hurt themselves. Glad this film clip has been preserved for the younger generation to see.

[@stephenkittle6586]

As a kid growing up in the "60s" we watch all the musicals, movies, tv music shows from the "30s", "40s" and "50s" and performances like this and it was AWESOME!! I HAVE SEEN THIS PERFORMANCE MANY TIMES AND IT DOESN'T EVER GET OLD!! 😍🎼🎵🎶🎷🎺🎹🥁🕺🕺

[@maruka1716]

Before electric guitars came to dominate popular music, big bands featuring horns were very popular. Electric guitars were invented in the 1930s, but they weren't readily available until the 1950s. Once they were, rock music started to take over. As for the Nicholas Brothers, they starred in a lot of movies and stage shows, and then became dance teachers when they got older. Michael Jackson was one of their students.

[@meandu1512]

Now that is talent!

[@sldrums]

FAYARD and his younger bro. HAROLD,were the most accomplished dancers of their generation.this performance,was from the movie stormy weather, staring LENA HORNE.

[@federalist46]

I was always amazed watching bands and show people when I was a kid, it's more impressive now, knowing this was all raw talent and skill. No auto tune, no CGI or camera tricks, just straight up talent. Backed up by Sarah smiling and doing the chair boogie. Good times.

[@jdw9397]

Wow-you are getting back pretty far-they were popular in the 1930’s ! There are so many great singers from the 30’s and 40’s You might enjoy some old Shirley Temple movies-she tap danced in several movies with Bill “Bojangles” Robinson ❤️👍

[@alainfrigon1797]

This is art with a big A.

[@roydickel9183]

I saw Calliway live at Birmingham Jazz Festival still had Cotton Club Orchestra and Dancers to this day vest concert I've been to

[@lowdown1222]

This movie is almost 81 years old. And the performers who participated in it were incredible. The Nicholas Brothers were one of a kind! RIP guys.

[@animemanganet]

Bojangles was good too. His dance with Shirley Temple was a classic! She said he was her best dance partner kzbin.info/www/bejne/raWrp5iqfNOCmq8

[@johno1765]

Just when you think the song and the dance have built to their crescendos, they keep it coming. I think just about everyone reacts to this performance like you with the same wide open mouth and eyes look of amazement.

[@Palindrome78]

The thigh muscles those men must've had...to just so fluidly stand back up from the splits using ONLY their legs! I love watching people see this for the first time and your reaction was great! 😄

[@QueSarahSarah72]

Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers are legends! I've seen this multiple times and I'm amazed and thrilled each time I watch. Your reaction to them was fantastic and beautiful. Their performance is indeed mind-blowing ❤

[@arthurmoore8521]

Thank you so much for introducing me to this. Brilliant!

[@octobris31]

I have loved this guy since I was a kid !

[@alexfletcher5192]

It was kind of the job of American stage and cinema to present maximum entertainment back then and they went to great lengths to blow the audience away. You can imagine (or perhaps you can't!) how much went into this.

[@vanessakammerer5602]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it this is what we grew up knowing, they are true legends. Miss those days was pure talent

[@rogerlundstrom6926]

Cab Calloway is awesome. I first learned about him when I had watched Blues Brothers.. THERE is a good movie with grade A Cameos.

[@RussellCardwell]

Watching you watch this gave me so much joy. It brought tears to my eyes. My parents grew up in that era and this was the music of their time. They had tons of records from the 30s and 40s and I heard lots of swing music growing up. This performance comes from the movie, "Stormy Weather", which was a vehicle for Lena Horne, another of my parents' favorite singers. I have the movie, and it has lots of other great performances. But like many of the movies cranked out to entertain the troops during WWII, it's very weak on story. But story was not the point. These all-singing, all-dancing extravaganzas were made quickly and cheaply, for the purpose of entertaining the troops overseas, and workers toiling in the munitions factories. It helped them forget about life for awhile. Cab Calloway was often on TV, even into the 60s, as the variety shows popular then nightly brought performers from every era to the screen. If you enjoyed this, the movie it came from is worth watching. It also featured the great Fats Waller, whose piano work I had to study in college. Another movie I worth seeing from that era is "The Gang's All Here."

[@gailvolm3862]

I love this, but hate the colorized version. The shadows in black and white just add to the artistry of the music and dancing.

[@LoisChisholm]

It's so hard to believe this is from a movie of 80 years ago. It's fabulous. We need talent like this in the world again.

[@Sopmylo]

One of the best dance numbers the 20th century ever put on film.

[@unclenogbad1509]

Amen to that,

[@rodneysisco6364]

Big band leaders from this era that you need to check out--Duke Ellington , Count Basie , Benny Goodman , Artie Shaw ,Jimmy Dorsey , Tommy Dorsey , and Glen Miller .

[@ianbeddowes5362]

Especially Benny Goodman Sing, Sing, Sing, and Duke Ellingon short C-Jam Blues

[@stanfordhicks8502]

That's back in the 20s and 30s The Cotton Club

[@jackiefloyd8003]

That particular dance sequence was from the 1940’s movie Stormy Weather. Amazing!

[@user-Terry314]

You were having so much fun! Great!

[@Fast_Eddy_Magic]

They were brothers, but I don't think they were twins.

[@danieladiaphorist1308]

A beautiful reaction to a beautiful performance. Thank you.

[@mikegreene8461]

Todays so called stars don't have a tenth of their talent.

[@RosiesCottageBlog]

Hi Sarah, I was so, so happy that you reacted to this.❤ I grew up watching all of the old, vintage movies with my Grandma and she loved, loved, loved Mr Cab Calloway🥰❤ This clip (apologies if anyone has mentioned it already) is from a movie called "Stormy Weather" (1943) If you ever have the chance to see it, I would whole heartedly recommend. I loved your reaction, so full of joy, reminding me of how I felt the first time I'd seen it many years ago. So much talent on that stage, such magic, preserved for all time, sending hugs🥰❤

[@donkfail1]

Wonderful reaction! Cab Calloway was the man. No! The king! An absolute legend. He kept on performing to a ripe old age and was still amazing then. The line "...makes you nine foot tall when you're four foot five." sums up his energy, and how I feel just hearing him, so well. Like so many who wasn't around back then, I discovered him in the movie Blues Brothers (1980) where he performs his big hit Minnie the Moocher. Young Cab singing Minnie the Moocher (2m56s) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaW2fYyoibCle9k Cab in Blues Brothers (4m59s) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGaTfoCnZcuHqLc But seriously, watch the movie if you haven't seen it. So many great musicians in that one. Too many to mention. The Nicholas brothers kept it up long too. I've seen recordings of them on stage dancing (not to this level though) at an age where I will be happy just being able to stand up by myself. And also some recordings older than this one when they were just boys, where the age difference is more obvious. They were not twins, even though they moved as one.

[@judithbush939]

This is a clip from the 1943 movie Stormy Weather. it is a wonderful movie. You should watch it/ The dance scene was done in one take and no rehersal. The Nicholas brothers were wonderful amazing dancers and singers. The lady at top of the screen is Lena Horne she also has a wonderful voice,, t\The gentleman dancing next to her Is Bill Bojangles Robinson, a legendary tap dancer

[@jefffixesit60]

The 1930's were amazing times with amazing talents. This was more than 25 years before I was born, but I continue to be amazed by these incredible performances. I recommend you to watch Benny Goodman Orchestra's performance of 'Sing Sing Sing', I promise you'll not be disappointed!😁

[@kathywalbaum8523]

My favorite Glenn Miller tune is " in the mood"

[@lindafauntleroy6558]

Wonderful reaction! And looking cute while reacting too. ❤

[@SRG1966]

Try standing up from the splits without using your arms.

[@Sam465]

Best Tap dancers in the world, from the movie "Stormy Weather" 1943.

[@harpergras]

Glad you are reacting to this one...Considered by most dancing greats as the best dance routine in history by these two brothers and Cab is an all-time legend.

[@woodyheywood8792]

Love to see Pure Joy on your face!!!! Nicely Done

[@IMEveryTrueAmericanRU]

💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈she says"Wait a damn minute..."💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈💈

[@rkw2917]

Definitely some of the most talented people to have ever been in the game, all around

[@ChristinaMorris-v8q]

My mom introduced me to the Nicholas Brothers, and I am forever grateful for that. They were amazing!

[@pamagnolia]

I knew you would love this!! 😅😅

[@davidpost428]

A major, major production by top professionals in their full glory!

[@thatcanadianwhitetrashguy]

Your Grand Mas would have been Jiving to this Tune. Cab Calloway was the Show to See from the Late 20's until the end of WW2. He made a Comeback around 1980 with The Blues Brothers Movie. Get Grand Ma Up and See What She's Got Left, Clear the Tables.

[@brianthomas2434]

I saw Cab play Horace Van Der Gelder to Pearl Bailey's Dolly Levi in an all Black production of "Hello, Dolly " in 1967.

[@shawn1432]

They did this in one take !! Fantastic

[@OkLikeWhatever]

There was real talent back then.

[@patmanchester8045]

Sarah, you react exactly how you should. The music DOES make you want to jump and jive.

[@kennbicknell5492]

*You are watching what is considered the greatest dance number from a motion picture: 1943's STORMY WEATHER, starring Lena Horne. You should check it out!*

[@johndunkelburg9495]

Say “Hello” to The Nicholas Brothers; they re-invented tap dancing and thought generations from Bill Bojangles to Gregory Hines what tap dancing could be.

[@owl-gd6ce]

talent beyond words

[@lynjenkins6473]

If you appreciate great dance moves, also look at Ginger Rogers (she did everything Astaire did. Only backwards and in heels), with Fred Astaire and Shirley Temple (6) with Bill Robinson (Bojangles-American tap dancer, actor, and singer, the best known and the most highly paid Black entertainer in the United States during the first half of the 20th century).

[@andersondavies3589]

Those brothers made me put a hand on my mouth to stop being astonished brainless! OMG! NEVER seen anything like this. Unreal. Ok, actually I was here because of Cab Calloway. Whenever I see any of his performances, listen t the way he sings, and the songs he does, I realise I have to delve deeper into his work. And let's not forget, he is one of the major influences of one of the new American Treasures: Danny Elfman. Try "Minnie he Moocher". Enjoy :)

[@socalpaul487]

Fred Astaire said of this Nicholas Brothers dance scene, it was the greatest dance ever filmed. It was also filmed in a single take. You should also watch this tribute to The Nicholas Brothers. kzbin.info/www/bejne/moOcpmqBr9GArZY

[@GilbertHorn1]

I’ve seen the clip dozens of times to my never ending admiration of such magnificent art. Your reaction is simply priceless!

[@johnsoul6310]

It's funny, I wrote a children's Halloween song called Skeleton Jamboree and there's these two bits of lyrics I wrote, the first being "Look, the joint has come alive, they're all doing the jumpin' jive..." and near the end it's "Well, now you've seen them jumpin' jive but Jive don't mind he's not alive...", LOL. I spent some time in company with Fayard Nicholes' wife Katherine at the Oakwood Apartments half a block from the Warner Bros. complex. She invited me and some ladies to yoga classes she was teaching at her home and because I was already a yoga "expert" I didn't go but now I super-regret not going. I attended a night club she sang at. Incidentally she was white, blond, and six inches taller than Fayard, LOL. That's Hollywood! Well, could be anywhere of course. Katherine was a very sweet lady. I only caught a glimpse of Fayard once at the apartments but might have met and talked with him if only I'd gone to those yoga classes. I do love The Jumpin' Jive and Cab Calloway who recorded music for the early black and white Betty Boop cartoons. I bet Cab howeled with laughter when he saw how they added in his music to those cartoons. They even traced cartoon characters doing his dance steps!

[@carolhayar3037]

I was fortunate as a child to have this music around. Looking at a phone or even a video does not do justice to the great music, musicians & dancers we had then, to go to a nightclub for dinner, to see a show like this, & to dance. We also had the big screen in the theaters to see all of those great musicals -- all natural talent. And those great instruments were all part of what made that music so wonderful & fun but unfortunately aren't even used anymore. I bet you never thought of these famous people as very good dancers -- Johnny Carson, Dean Martin, famous actress Lana Turner, Frank Sinatra (taught by Gene Kelly), & of course Patrick Swayze & John Travolta, & the list goes on. Everyone had to dance at least a little "back then" Suggestions for happy bouncy dancing musicals from 2 very enjoyable movie scenes w-the great Gene Kelly: Gene dancing w-cartoon character Jerry Mouse (yes they paired Gene w-a cartoon character - ingenious) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gouuf4tnnrCUg7s called "The Worry Song" in 1945; & Gene dancing on roller skates kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpmUgZmdiZVsY8k in 1955. Thanks for your reaction.

[@timstewart9026]

You remind me of my own reaction the first time I saw this clip. Wow! I always enjoy Cab Calloway and consider the Nicholas Brothers to be pure magic. When I recall that they shot this in 1943 during world war 2 , during Jim Crow, and during a time when lynching black people was hardly ever punished, I am reminded that people need to smile in the face of stress,...and that my generation (baby boomer) didn't invent partying, nor did yours, my parent's generation (even after what we just saw) didn't invent it, I had 2 great aunts that were chorus at the Cotton Club in Harlem in the 1920's and my mother used to tell me about my great-grandmother hiding a barrel of white lightnin' under her skirt when the law showed up. I'm pretty sure it goes back further than that. Oh yeah, the ancient greek god Dionysus their god of wine, fertility, and music (sounds like a party to me). peace to you.

[@thomastimlin1724]

This movie has been colorized, it was in back and white. It does not make the entertainers, the dance routine any better, it does not get any better than this. Colorizing black and white film is akin to rewriting history to suit your own world and preference. To not have the guts to experience it as the people who first watched it did is ridiculous, but not Sarah's fault. Great musicians, singers, dancers and artists are timeless, and Sarah just proved that today. Anything less than this level of quality is junk, not mastery of art. These guys make Michael Jackson look like a punk. And Sarah knows that.

[@larryk731]

I think it should be illegal to add color to black and white films, change the original aspect ratio, add stereo to mono recordings or modify original pieces of art. I am ok with dirt removal to a point though.

[@PierceThirlen2]

THAT was LIVE, no special effects!

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

You can also check out one of his last filmed performances, singing his classic Minnie the Moocher in the Blues Brothers movie. In fact, any musical performance from that movie is worthwhile.

[@tonyr.4778]

Jazz was the original American music. The musicianship was amazing and sophisticated. Now the state of black music is rap where the singer has to use autotune and speaks because their voice cannot keep on key and has horrible tone. Sad to see the difference of what was the quality of popular music then and now.

[@Serai3]

My HIPS hurt after watching this. I've never seen two guys who were so clearly 20 years old. I can guarantee you they weren't doing that 20 years later!

[@brickspieth6797]

Hollywood at it's finest.

[@alanwitty1665]

I saw Cab Calloway live at the Eden Roc hotel in 1958, he was great.

[@TheMadeofhonor]

Such Talent! Outstanding performance.

[@mangelwurzel]

This is from a movie, Stormy Weather, which is a must view!

[@tomhaskett5161]

Gene Kelly said that this was the greatest dance routinr ever filmed

[@bigdaddyrat7854]

PLEASE DO HELLZAPOPIN' BY WHITEYS LINDY HOPPERS.

[@davidstobie2751]

I m surprised that you are surprised.

[@jessicaleblanc-nh1yl]

So glad that you viewed this one. It is history & it is beautiful. So, well done, too! Glad that you enjoyed it.

[@scottmefford6917]

Big Band and Swing is just too good eh?

[@davidstobie2751]

I dunno. Way better than the bar I go to

[@ajaxfernsby4078]

The Nicholas Bros do a number in the Gene Kelly Judy Garland musical called “The Pirate” -1948.

[@ianbeddowes5362]

what also 'Singing in the Rain withgene Kelly, 1950 i think

[@carlbaker7242]

Sarah i appreciate you pulling this GRAND TREASURES out of the closet. This was not only music but a rhythm performance. I sure you will enjoy. The tap dancer are world know. There are brothers.

[@SarahDengler]

They are unbelievably good!