Biography
Bob Crosby's Bob Cats were a renowned New Orleans Dixieland-style jazz octet formed in the mid-1930s as a 'band within a band' under the leadership of Bob Crosby, the younger brother of Bing Crosby. Born in Spokane, Washington, in 1913, Bob Crosby began his musical journey as a vocalist with Anson Weeks and the Dorsey Brothers before being chosen by former members of Ben Pollack's band to lead their new ensemble in 1935. The Bob Cats quickly distinguished themselves with their unique blend of traditional Dixieland jazz and the then-emerging swing style, creating a sound that was both rooted in jazz history and innovative for its time[1][3][6].
The Bob Cats became famous for their lively, lightly arranged performances that left ample space for collective improvisation—a hallmark of their recordings. Their hits included 'Big Noise from Winnetka,' 'South Rampart Street Parade,' and 'March of the Bob Cats.' The group featured some of the era's most talented jazz musicians, including Ray Bauduc, Bob Haggart, Jess Stacy, Muggsy Spanier, and Yank Lawson. Their energetic and joyous approach to ensemble playing made them a staple of supper clubs, nightclubs, and radio broadcasts across the United States, and their influence persisted through periodic reunions and revivals well into the 1960s and 1970s[2][3][5][6].
The legacy of Bob Crosby's Bob Cats lies in their successful fusion of Dixieland and swing, which set them apart from other big bands of the swing era. Their innovative arrangements and ensemble-oriented style influenced generations of jazz musicians and contributed to the enduring popularity of small-group jazz within the broader context of American swing music[3][5][6].
Fun Facts
- The Bob Cats were originally formed as a 'band within a band'—a small group drawn from the larger Bob Crosby Orchestra to focus on Dixieland jazz.
- Their hit 'Big Noise from Winnetka' was famously created spontaneously during a live performance when other band members were late returning from a break.
- Bob Crosby, unlike many bandleaders, did not play an instrument but was known for his engaging stage presence and vocal performances.
- The Bob Cats and the larger Bob Crosby Orchestra appeared in several feature films and were regulars on radio and television, including The Jack Benny Program.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Ben Pollack - Bob Crosby was chosen as bandleader by former members of Ben Pollack’s band after Pollack's group disbanded. (Transition from Ben Pollack's band to the Bob Crosby Orchestra and Bob Cats) [1935]
Key Collaborators
- Ray Bauduc - Drummer and key member of the Bob Cats, co-wrote and performed on 'Big Noise from Winnetka.' (Bob Cats recordings, 'Big Noise from Winnetka') [1935–1942, reunions in later decades]
- Bob Haggart - Bassist, arranger, and driving force behind the band's sound and repertoire. (Bob Cats recordings, 'Big Noise from Winnetka', later led Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band) [1935–1942, reunions in later decades]
- Jess Stacy - Pianist and featured soloist in the Bob Cats. (Bob Cats recordings) [1935–1942]
- Muggsy Spanier - Cornetist and prominent soloist in the Bob Cats. (Bob Cats recordings) [1935–1942]
- Yank Lawson - Trumpeter and later co-leader of the World's Greatest Jazz Band, which carried on the Bob Cats' legacy. (Bob Cats recordings, World's Greatest Jazz Band) [1935–1942, 1960s–1970s]
Artists Influenced
- World's Greatest Jazz Band - Formed by Bob Haggart and Yank Lawson to continue the Bob Cats' blend of Dixieland and swing. (Recordings and performances as World's Greatest Jazz Band) [Late 1960s–mid 1970s]
- Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band - Direct successor ensemble to the Bob Cats, led by former members. (Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band recordings) [1970s]
- Doris Day - Hired as a teenage vocalist by the Bob Cats, launching her professional singing career. (Live performances with Bob Crosby Orchestra) [1940]
Connection Network
Discography
Top Tracks
- Fidgety Feet (The Flat Foot Floogie)
- It Was a Lover and His Lass - From the Musical "As You Like It", Act 5, Scene 3 (Shakespeare in Swing)
- Oh Mistress Mine - From the musical"Twelfth Night", Act 2, Scene 3 (Shakespeare in Swing)
- Blow Blow Thou Winter Winds - From the Musical "As You Like It", Act 2, Scene 7 (Shakespeare in Swing)
- Sigh no More Ladies - From the Musical "Much Ado About Nothing", Act 2, Scene 3 (Shakespeare in Swing)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
BOB CROSBY'S BOB CATS has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 13, 2025 | 09:25 | Smokey Maryfrom Stomp Off, Let's Go | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete | |
| Dec 13, 2025 | 09:22 | Wolverine Bluesfrom Stomp Off, Let's Go | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete | |
| Oct 15, 2025 | 10:00 | MAMA'S GONE GOODBYEfrom THE BOB CATS BOB CROSBY'S BOB CATS 1937-42 | Traditional Jazzw/ Tom Saunders |