Cab Calloway in Bubbling Brown Sugar
In the rich biography « Princess Noire » dedicated to the singer and pianist Nina Simone (1933-2003), the author Nadine Cohodas evokes a story on the often erratic behavior of the « My Baby Just Cares For Me » Diva. This time – for once, Cab Calloway was the victim…
We are in 1976, Nina Simone is not at her best and has lost some her audience. Lester HYMAN, a lawyer who supports Nina, invited her to his apartment in Washington. During one of her visits, Nina asked his host to find him seats – the best ones – for the « Bubbling Brown Sugar » revue which featured Cab Calloway.
Lester Hyman tells the story: « We sat in the front row and suddenly she began to talk to people on stage I was mortified (…). » She then asks Lester to meet Cab Calloway after the show. She said she had known him long time ago. « Introduce me as Simone and not Nina Simone. »
Cab greeted her with open arms « Nina! … » immediately interrupted by « It’s MADAME SIMONE. »
The King of Hi Ho had to say so while the famous Madame Simone chattered incessantly. After a few minutes, Cab took Lester’s elbow and asked him to excuse him.
Too bad! Between 2 crazy singers, one could consider beautiful songs a-coming…
Source :
Princess Noire: The Tumultuous Reign of Nina Simone, Nadine Cohodas, Pantheon 2010
