The Cats & the Fiddle

"The Cats & the Fiddle" were a pioneering African-American vocal group formed in the 1930s, known for their intricate harmonies and innovative approach to jazz and rhythm and blues. Here are five key facts about the group:

1. Formation and Members: The Cats & the Fiddle were formed in Chicago in 1937 by pianist and arranger Austin Powell. The original lineup consisted of Powell, Jimmie Henderson (tenor), Ernie Price (baritone), and Chuck Barksdale (bass). Later, the lineup evolved to include various other members, but Powell remained the driving force behind the group's musical direction and arrangements.

2. Harmonic Innovations: The Cats & the Fiddle were known for their tight vocal harmonies and innovative approach to arranging. They pioneered a style known as "jive harmony", characterized by its complex vocal arrangements and intricate interplay between the singers. Their unique sound combined elements of jazz, blues, and gospel music, creating a distinctive and influential sound that set them apart from other vocal groups of the era.

3. Hit Recordings and Popularity: The Cats & the Fiddle achieved success with a series of hit recordings in the 1930s and 1940s. Their debut single, "I Miss You So", became a chart-topping hit in 1939 and established them as one of the leading vocal groups of the day. They followed up with other successful singles such as "Killer Diller Man from the South", "We Cats Will Swing for You", and "Gang Busters", which showcased their versatility and musical prowess.

4. Influence and Legacy: The Cats & the Fiddle's innovative vocal style and tight harmonies influenced countless vocal groups that came after them, including The Ink Spots, The Mills Brothers, and The Four Freshmen. Their recordings continue to be celebrated by fans of vintage jazz and rhythm and blues, and their influence can be heard in the music of subsequent generations of vocal harmony groups. Despite their relatively short-lived career, The Cats & the Fiddle left an indelible mark on the history of American popular music.

5. Disbandment and Later Years: The Cats & the Fiddle disbanded in the late 1940s, as changing musical tastes and personal differences led to the group's dissolution. However, their music lives on through reissues and compilations, which continue to introduce new audiences to their timeless recordings. Though they may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of their contemporaries, The Cats & the Fiddle's contributions to the evolution of vocal harmony music are widely recognized and appreciated.